There's Power in Teaching

Host: Kathleen VailGuest: John Hendron In this episode of There’s Power in Teaching, Dr. John Hendron continues his conversation with Kathleen Vail on gamification, moving beyond surface-level mechanics to explore the psychology that actually drives motivation. Rather than treating gamification as a set of tools, the discussion focuses on why certain game-inspired strategies resonate with learners—and why others fall flat when used in isolation. The episode is grounded in classroom practice but applies equally to professional learning and adult education. The conversation begins with a discussion of the most common entry point into gamification: points, badges, and leaderboards (often abbreviated as PBL). While these elements are widely used, Dr. Hendron cautions that they rarely lead to meaningful gains on their own. Points, for example, can be motivating for learners who enjoy visible progress or achievement, but they should not simply replicate traditional grading systems. Instead, points are most effective when paired with choice, mastery-based progression, and opportunities for students to decide how they demonstrate learning. Badges are explored as another familiar tool, particularly in digital learning environments and learning management systems. When tied to clear criteria, badges can serve as visible markers of mastery and are often used in micro-credentialing. However, the episode emphasizes that not all learners are motivated by collecting symbols of achievement, making it important for educators to avoid relying on badges as the sole driver of engagement. Leaderboards receive similar treatment. Public displays of progress or ranking can be highly motivating for competitive learners and are commonly seen in tools like Kahoot. At the same time, leaderboards can quietly disengage students who do not find competition motivating. Dr. Hendron stresses the importance of observing learner responses and balancing competitive elements with other forms of engagement so that motivation is not limited to a single “type” of learner. From there, the episode shifts to the underlying psychology of games. Drawing on motivational theory, Dr. Hendron explains that people are motivated by different types of experiences, including competition, uncertainty and chance, emotional connection, and perspective-shifting experiences that offer novelty or thrill. These ideas help explain why activities such as escape rooms, team-based challenges, and shared accomplishments often resonate with students in ways traditional instruction may not. The discussion then expands to a deeper framework drawn from gameful design research, outlining eight core motivational drives that influence human behavior. These include the desire for purpose and belonging, growth and accomplishment, creativity and feedback, ownership, social connection, scarcity, curiosity, and loss avoidance. Rather than overwhelming educators, the episode connects these drives back to familiar classroom practices, showing how elements like quick feedback, collecting resources, or time-limited opportunities tap into deeply human motivators. Several concrete classroom examples illustrate how these ideas can be applied in practice. These range from using rapid, encouraging feedback—sometimes as simple as a literal high five—to playful sound cues that normalize failure and encourage persistence. The emphasis throughout is on creating a classroom culture where mistakes are part of learning and where motivation is sustained through thoughtful design rather than external pressure. The episode concludes with a reminder that effective gamification does not require educators to overhaul everything at once. Instead, listeners are encouraged to start small, choose a few techniques that feel manageable, and focus on understanding what motivates their particular students. Gamification, when grounded in psychology and aligned with active learning, becomes less about making learning “fun” and more about designing experiences that foster engagement, purpose, and long-term growth. Listeners are invited to explore related resources linked in the show notes, including articles from the current season of Kappan magazine and Dr. Hendron’s work on the Playful Learning Designer, an online tool that supports educators in designing gamified learning experiences. Resources: * Chou, Y. (2019). Actionable gamification: Beyond points, badges, and leaderboards. Milipitas, CA: Octalysis Media. © 2025 PDK International • Arlington, Virginia

In this kickoff conversation, host Kathleen Vail talks with John Hendron about the foundations of gamification—what it is, what it isn’t, and why educators and learning designers should care. John traces his path from instructional technology leadership to researching how elements from games—like motivation loops, points, badges, social play, and competition—can improve adult professional learning. Using examples that span Apple Watch rings, Peloton leaderboards, classic board games, movie references, and even McDonald’s Monopoly, he illustrates how game mechanics quietly shape behaviors in everyday life. This episode lays the groundwork for a deeper exploration of gamification’s psychology and its practical uses in education, professional development, and organizational engagement. Whether you’re new to gamification or already experimenting with game-inspired strategies, this conversation offers a clear, human-centered introduction. ⸻ Key Topics Covered•The difference between playing games and gamification Why game mechanics show up in fitness trackers, retail marketing, and daily technology habitsHistorical and cultural snapshots—from WarGames to Frogger to laser tag—that reveal how deeply games are woven into modern lifeResearch insights:Nicole Lazzaro’s four types of funThe human “magic circle” of playWhy the median gamer age is now 30—and why women game slightly more than menThe promise and pitfalls of points, badges, and leaderboardsClassroom examples: leaderboards, quests, and structures from eXplore Like a PirateProfessional learning examples: using scarcity, FOMO, incentives, and playful design to boost engagementHow organizations like Khan Academy weave in game-like structures without overwhelming learners ⸻ Why This Matters for Educators Gamification isn’t about turning classrooms into video arcades. It’s about understanding why humans are drawn to certain patterns—progress, challenge, social connection—and using those patterns to design learning experiences that genuinely motivate. John frames gamification as a powerful, flexible tool for:•teacher professional development student engagementprogram marketing and recruitmentorganizational culture building

Host: John Hendron; Guest: Starr Sackstein – Author, educator, assessment expert, columnist, and Massachusetts State Coordinator for Educators Rising. “Your voice, your story is what makes it important.” ⸻ Overview In this episode, John sits down with veteran educator and prolific author Starr Sackstein to explore her writing journey, her unexpected career shifts, and her work supporting future educators through Educators Rising. Starr offers candid advice for aspiring writers, unpacks her process for creating books with (and without) co-authors, and reflects on the challenges and rewards of teaching and publishing. She also shares insights into the growing Educators Rising movement in Massachusetts and the power of student-led leadership experiences. ⸻ Key Topics Covered 1. Getting Started as an Author•Starr’s early writing pathway: blogging, guest posts, and opportunities that opened doors. Why any educator with something to say should consider writing.Tips for new writers:Know your audience.Commit to disciplined time.Expect and embrace revision.Seek feedback from trusted readers.Rejection as a normal part of the writing and publishing process.The role of smaller educational presses and the legitimacy of self-publishing. 2. Developing a Writing Process•Starr’s need for quiet, focus, and intentional structure. How outlining, subheadings, and moving between sections keep momentum going.Navigating co-authorship: when it works well, and when it doesn’t.Using AI as a tool—for prompts, research leads, and first-draft thinking—without outsourcing your writing voice.Strategies to overcome writer’s block: reading, movement, stepping away, and studying other authors’ approaches. 3. The Unexpected Career Impact of Publishing•How blogging and early books led to opportunities for speaking, consulting, and thought leadership. Stories of former students encountering Starr’s work in graduate programs.The reality of innovating inside a school system—and the visibility (and complications) that come with it. 4. Advice for Aspiring Educators•What students should know about the first years of teaching: authenticity, transparency, and giving yourself permission not to know everything. The emotional rewards and long-term impact of classroom life. 5. Inside Educators Rising•Starr’s role as Massachusetts State Coordinator. Preview of the Fall Regional Student Leadership Summit at Elms College—fully student-led, featuring peer workshops, CTSO collaboration, and statewide partnerships.“Students walk out of these programs with confidence it took me years to build.”The value of Educators Rising’s curriculum, micro-credentials, and competitions in building student confidence and readiness for the teaching profession.How CTSO experiences support all students—future teachers and undecided students alike—through leadership, service, and skill-building. ⸻ You can contact Sackstein at ssackstein@educatorsrising.org© 2025 PDK International

Host: John Hendron. Guest: Dr. Damon Christopher Lewis, Principal, Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, Norwalk, CT In this episode, we talk with Damon Lewis, 2025 NASSP Principal of the Year, about his leadership journey and the transformative work happening at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy. Damon shares how his school’s commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) weaves through every discipline, empowering students—many from marginalized backgrounds—to thrive academically and personally. From implementing project-based learning (PBL) to building a culture of continuous improvement, Damon discusses how his team is redefining success through innovation and community engagement. He also opens up about mentoring new principals, fostering culturally competent teaching, and sustaining balance in a high-pressure leadership role. Themes explored in this episode include: Redefining middle school through a STEAM lensContinuous improvement as the single district initiativeThe role of mentorship and collaboration among principalsStrategies for reducing chronic absenteeismBuilding strong relationships with Latinx families and the broader communityLeadership mantras: “Pressure is a privilege,” “Be where your feet are,” and “Progress, not perfection.” Our favorite quote: “Hope and faith are not strategies. You have to develop a clear plan of action based on data.” To learn more about our national CTSO, visit educatorsrising.org.

In this special episode of There’s Power in Teaching, PDK Emerging Leader Fellow Dr. Ryan Tauriainen, executive director of Teach For America (Washington, D.C. and Virginia), and Haylie Johnson, national vice president of engagement for Educators Rising, sit down with Dr. John B. King Jr. — former U.S. Secretary of Education and current Chancellor of the State University of New York. Together, they explore King’s deeply personal new book, Teacher by Teacher (Legacy Lit, 2024), a tribute to the educators who shaped his life and a reminder of the transformative power of great teaching. King shares moving stories of resilience and gratitude — from the teachers who helped him survive the loss of both parents as a child, to rediscovering his late father’s legacy as the first Black principal of Brooklyn’s PS 70. He reflects on lessons from his own classroom, including the student teaching moment that “completely failed,” and how it led him to understand the difference between teaching and learning. The conversation also touches on King’s proudest accomplishments as Secretary of Education, including launching the Second Chance Pell program to restore college opportunities for incarcerated students, and his urgent call today to refocus national attention on student learning after the pandemic: “We should have our hair on fire about where student performance is, particularly for low-income students and students of color. We should be throwing everything at that.” King’s reflections are both intimate and instructive, reminding educators of their enduring influence: “Teachers are often the difference between hope and despair in people’s lives.” Guest Biography Dr. John B. King Jr. served as the 10th U.S. Secretary of Education under President Barack Obama and is now the 15th Chancellor of the State University of New York, the nation’s largest public higher education system. A lifelong educator, he has been a teacher, principal, professor, state commissioner, and civil rights leader. He holds degrees from Harvard, Yale, and Columbia University’s Teachers College. Teacher by Teacher is available now from Legacy Lit. Learn more at johnbkingjr.com. About the Series The PDK Emerging Leader Fellows program pairs early-career educators with members of Educators Rising to produce collaborative podcast episodes exploring critical issues in education today. To learn more about the Fellows program, visit pdkintl.org/el-de.

Interviewers John Hendron and Kathleen Vail recently sat down with our very own, Starr Sackstein, a well-known author and educator, about her past year authoring the Career Confidential column in Kappan magazine. Sackstein received National Board Certification in 2012 and was recognized as an outstanding educator by Education Update. She is also a certified Master Journalism educator through the Journalism Education Association (JEA) and served as JEA’s New York State Director. She was named an ASCD “Emerging Leader” class of 2016, a Champion in Education in 2022, and had the opportunity to give a TEDx Talk called “A Recovering Perfectionist’s Journey to Give Up Grades,” and has spoken on The Red Dot Cafe in affiliation with TEDx San Antonio about grading practices. In 2024, she was named a Distinguished Educator Fellow with PDK International. In 2025, Starr was named to the Fulbright Specialist Roster and currently awaits the opportunity to work on a foreign project. She is the author of many educational books, including Blogging for Educators, Teaching Students to Self-Assess: How Do I Help Students Grow as Learners?, The Power of Questioning: Opening Up the World of Student Inquiry, Hacking Assessment: 10 Ways to Go Gradeless in a Traditional Grades School, Peer Feedback in the Classroom: Empower Students to Provide Effective Peer Feedback, Assessing with Respect: Everyday Practices that Meet Students’ Social and Emotional Needs and From Teacher to Leader: Finding Your Way as a First Time Leader Without Losing Your Mind. She blogged on Education Week Teacher at “Work in Progress” and has contributed to several other publications. For PDK International, Sackstein serves as the Educators Rising state coordinator for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She will join us again on November 5th for a webinar focused on her experience writing books and supporting future teachers. Career Confidential can be found at http://kappanonline.org/

Host: Dr. John Hendron, Director of Public Relations. Guest: Faith Gonder, National Vice President of Service, Educators Rising In this episode, we meet Faith Gonder, a senior from Perry High School in Massillon, Ohio, and one of Educators Rising’s national officers. Faith shares how her community, career-tech education program, and inspiring teachers shaped her journey toward becoming an educator. Highlights•Community & School Life – Faith describes growing up in Massillon and the support system that makes her school and town special. Career-Tech Pathway – How Perry High School’s education career program, offered in partnership with surrounding schools, gave her a clear direction toward teaching.Choosing Education – Faith opens up about her early struggles with school, the teacher who changed her outlook, and how that experience inspired her to pursue a teaching career.Leadership & Service – From quiet student to national officer, Faith reflects on what leadership really means: dedication, service, and helping others realize their potential.Future Goals – Faith plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in just two years, become dual-certified in social studies and language arts, and ultimately teach speech and debate at the high school level.Advice to Students – She encourages peers to connect with teachers, join or start an Educators Rising chapter, and pursue education as a powerful, fulfilling career path. Key Quote “The biggest impact you can ever have on somebody’s life is helping them realize their own potential. That’s my main goal as a leader and future educator.” – Faith Gonder Learn More Interested in starting an Educators Rising chapter at your school? Visit educatorsrising.org.

In this episode of There’s Power in Teaching, we sit down with Haylie Johnson, National Vice President of Engagement for Educators Rising and a student at Central Connecticut State University. Haley shares her journey from joining a small high school chapter of Educators Rising to becoming a national leader inspiring thousands of students across the country. Key Topics:•Starting Small, Growing Big – How Haylie and her teacher leader grew their chapter from just 4 members to nearly 40 in one year. The Power of Role Models – Haylie reflects on the influence of her teacher preparation instructor and her family in motivating her to pursue leadership and teaching.From State to National Leadership – What it’s like to go from a wishful idea of becoming a national officer to making it a reality.Conference Connections – Insights from Haylie’s experiences at state and national conferences, including competitions, college fairs, and the community built through Educators Rising events.Advice for Future Educators – Haylie’s message to peers: “Always put your best self forward—you can do whatever you want to do in the world.”Teaching Aspirations – The kind of teacher Haylie hopes to become: one who creates a safe, welcoming classroom where students love learning. Memorable Quote:“You can do whatever you put your heart to—even if it feels unobtainable at first.” Learn More:To explore Educators Rising and its mission to empower the next generation of teachers, visit educatorsrising.org.

PDK International has polled the American public for the 57th time this year with its annual poll focused on attitudes about public education in America. In this edition, Kathleen Vail, editor in chief of Kappan Magazine, interviews PDK International’s director of public relations, Dr. John Hendron about this year’s poll. Highlights of this conversation and this year’s poll include: Attitudes about DEI Initiatives,Attitudes about cell phone policiesAttitudes about the use of AI in schoolsAttitudes about local and national school performance The full results of this year’s poll will be featured in the Autumn edition of Kappan Magazine. The public can also review this year’s results at pdkpoll.org. PDK International partnered with the Wason Center for Civic Leadership to conduct this year’s poll to a national sample of over 1,000 respondents, 25% of whom identified as parents.

In this follow-up conversation, Kaplan editor-in-chief Kathleen Vail sits down with professors Rick Ginsberg and Yong Zhao—authors of a recent Kappan article and the book Duck and Cover (Teachers College Press, 2023)—to explore how schools can embrace new definitions of literacy and meaningful innovation in the age of AI. Drawing on their work with the Center for Reimagining Education, Ginsburg and Zhao share lessons from schools experimenting with AI integration, co-created learning with students, and new models of transformation. Their “three lenses” framework offers educators a practical path to change:1. Seek transformative ideas – not small tweaks but true innovation.2. Co-create with students – move from doing things to students to doing things with them.3. Start small, think big – pilot ideas in “sandbox” models that can grow organically. The discussion touches on:•Why many school reforms fail and how their “virus approach” differs. How teachers and students are already experimenting with AI tools in creative ways (including an unexpected country-western theme song for the Center!).The challenges districts face when banning AI—and why students are using it anyway.How AI literacy should be embedded across subjects, not taught as a standalone course.Global comparisons of AI adoption, and why the U.S. lags behind other countries. Key Quote: “If we don’t engage the kids, we are wrong. What we’re teaching is too often deadly boring. Co-creation with students is where the power lies.” – Rick Ginsburg This episode is a forward-looking conversation about how AI, when used thoughtfully, can help schools break free from outdated practices and engage students in transformative learning. AI also appears in this year’s PDK Poll. Attitudes around the use of AI this year waned from last year, comparing the 2024 and 2025 PDK Polls. Learn more at pdkpoll.org.

In Part 1 of a two-part interview, host Kathleen Vail sits down with Dr. Rick Ginsberg and Dr. Yong Zhao—professors at the University of Kansas and frequent Kappan contributors—to discuss their provocative article on America’s obsession with reading instruction and why it may be time to broaden our definition of literacy for today’s world. The episode tackles critical questions:• Why is the U.S. so uniquely focused on reading test scores?• How are international comparisons and political forces shaping the narrative?• What does reading proficiency actually mean—and who decides? Ginsberg and Zhao challenge long-held assumptions, noting that many education systems around the world produce literate populations without the same level of anxiety around reading instruction. They suggest that the U.S. focus on basic reading skills often overshadows deeper educational goals like creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability. New Literacies Introduced in the Episode:1. Information Access Literacy – Navigating the vast landscape of tools and sources to find reliable information.2. Prompt Cultivation – Learning how to interact effectively with AI through iterative, refined communication.3. Truth and Ethical Literacy – Developing the capacity to discern truth, handle bias, and understand ethical use of digital tools.4. AI Literacy – Understanding the capabilities and limitations of generative AI, including how to integrate it into learning and work. As a PDK member, receive full access to Kappan online! www.pdkintl.org.

In this powerful episode, three voices from different stages of the educational journey come together to talk about mental health in our schools. Host Sophia James, a 2024 PDK Emerging Leader Fellow and Director of Education and Social Work Pathways for NYC Public Schools, is joined by Samantha Salnave, Senior Director of Tiered Interventions at the NYC Department of Education and a 2024 PDK Distinguished Educator Fellow, along with Lily, a college student and 2024 Educators Rising Fellow. Together, they reflect on:• The growing impact of social media, trauma, and academic pressure on students• How teacher stress and emotional labor are affecting classroom dynamics• The importance of building school cultures of care, affirmation, and intentional mental health support• Real-life stories of support, mentorship, and meaningful student-teacher relationships• Innovative solutions like Zen Dens, Buddha Booths, counselor check-ins, and SEL-infused career pathways Whether you’re a school leader, classroom teacher, parent, or student, this episode offers both honesty and hope—reminding us that we all play a part in creating healthy, resilient learning communities. The PDK Emerging Leaders Fellows and Distinguished Educators Fellows programs provide support and development for distinguished PDK members. To learn more, visit our website at PDKINTL.org.

In this episode, we speak to three of the thirty music teachers of excellence recognized this year by the Country Music Association Foundation. PDK’s Director of Public Relations and our podcast producer, Dr. John Hendron, interviews Terri Iacarino (Maryland), Neshawn Calloway (Tennessee), and Haviland Gilbert (Washington). They share with us their journey into becoming not only teachers, but also as musicians. Through the interview, you’ll gain insight into lessons learned, the importance of arts education for all students, and some of the characteristics of these particular educators that we hope are inspiring for those considering a future career in education. The CMA Music Teachers of Excellence recognitions were established in 2016. To date, the CMA Foundation has honored 265 public school music teachers and given over $1.3 M to support their achievements in their classrooms and communities. This is a production of PDK International, © 2025 All Rights Reserved. Visit us online at pdkintl.org.

Educators Rising—the national CTSO from PDK International—is looking forward to our upcoming national conference in Orlando, Florida. In this episode, we talk to one of our newly elected national officers, Allianna Walters. Allianna will join three other students at the national conference where their future roles for the upcoming year will be determined as part of their onboarding training experience. In this interview, we learn more about how Allianna got inspired to help others and consider a career in teaching. We think you’ll find her story, enthusiasm, and desire to help others through leadership inspiring! We often meet students in Educators Rising like Allianna who want to help make a difference in their community through a career in education. To learn more about what we do, visit our website, educatorsrising.org. Creating a chapter in your community is easy!

In this episode we chat with Dr. Doug Fisher, who along with Dr. Nancy Frey, have an article in the Summer edition of Kappan magazine focused on the import of teaching all standards. Host Kathleen Vail also asks Dr. Fisher about his “EdRising moment,” about how he got into teaching, and the two also cover details about Fisher’s book on uncovering the concept of rigor with teaching and learning. Fisher serves as a professor at San Diego State University and Vail is editor in chief of Kappan magazine. This episode is a condensed version of a webinar conducted with Dr. Fisher in May 2025. You can find out more about our guest, Doug Fisher, at this website, www.fisherandfrey.com. You can find the article by Fisher and Frey at kappanonline.org.

Kappan Editor-in-Chief Kathleen Vail chats in this podcast with Missy Testerman, the 2024 CCSSO National Teacher of the Year. In her rural Appalachian community, Testerman builds bridges between cultures – families who have been in the area for centuries and newer immigrants – through a curriculum focused on a study of Americans from diverse backgrounds, allowing students to better understand that people are inherently the same and that they all belong. As Tennessee’s State Teacher of the Year, she forged partnerships with East Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee to encourage pre-service teachers and give authentic feedback to university leaders about their educator preparation programs.  She prioritizes instruction that ensures her students have the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve. Testerman knows families are extensions of the classroom and often advocates for her families who speak little English. She considers her greatest contribution to her profession to be the love and desire for learning that she has instilled in countless students over the past three decades. A Tennessee native and first-generation college graduate herself, Testerman takes great pride in seeing her former students succeed in life and is motivated to ensure the next generation receives a broadened education while living in a rural setting.  Testerman holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and a Master of Arts in reading education from East Tennessee State University. She added ESL licensure through Freed-Hardeman University, wanting to ensure that immigrant students and families had an advocate in their rural Appalachian area. Testerman lives with her husband, David in Rogersville – where they both grew up and raised their children Andrew and Caroline.   Testerman will be a keynote speaker at the 2025 Educators Rising National Conference in Orlando.

In this special episode, Dr. John Hendron hosts and spotlights Patriots to Education, a mission-driven organization dedicated to helping military veterans, retirees, service members, and their spouses transition into impactful roles within public education. Host John engages with founders and leaders of the organization—retired military professionals and strategic education advocates—to explore how this initiative fills critical staffing gaps in schools while offering veterans meaningful second careers. What You’ll Hear About:• The inspiration behind Patriots to Education and its dual mission• How military service prepares veterans for success in education• Current operations in states like California, Florida, Nevada, and expansion plans• Fast-track pathways into education careers, including innovative apprenticeship models• The benefits veterans gain from working in schools: purpose, structure, and fulfillment• The organization’s long-term goals and how you can support the mission 🎙️ Featured Guests:• Tim Kadavy, Retired Lieutenant General, Army National Guard• Mike Bobeck, Retired Brigadier General, U.S. Army• George Ann Rice, Former senior leader in Nevada public schools Key Quote:“Our children are our nation’s strategic asset. Veterans have already shown a commitment to service—and public education is one of the most vital places they can continue that mission.” 🌐 Learn More:Visit patriotstoeducation.org to explore their mission, resources, and how to get involved.

According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, 19.1 million students were unenrolled in U.S. colleges this past fall. Of those, 16 million are enrolled in undergraduate programs, and among those, 8.8 million in bachelor degree programs. As many listeners know, teachers are required to have a bachelor’s degree and pass certifying exams to become licensed in the United States, although the exact requirements change from state to state. The requirements to become a teacher may vary based upon which grade level you want to teach within, the subject matter specialization you seek (history vs. mathematics), and the type of population of students you want to work with (exceptional education, or specializations around specific learning challenges). In this episode, we speak with two Educators Rising National Ambassadors about their lives since they left high school. Kaylea Patterson is a second-year student at the University of Delaware and Calvin Plante is a first-year student at American University (Washington, D.C.). Prior to starting college, both students became involved in Educators Rising. Dr. John Hendron leads the interview, prepared for our Educators Rising student members, to gain perspective about what college life is like for those considering a higher education pathway post graduation. For this episode, certain terms are mentioned that may be unfamiliar to all listeners. 1. TA (Teaching Assistant) – A TA is a student, usually in college or graduate school, who helps a professor by leading discussions, answering student questions, and sometimes grading assignments. They act as a helper in the class.2. Major – A major is the main subject a college student studies. It’s their primary focus, and they take many classes related to it. For example, if someone majors in biology, they take lots of science classes.3. Minor – A minor is a secondary subject a student studies in college. It’s not as many classes as a major, but it’s still an important area of learning. For example, someone might major in history and minor in psychology.4. Double Major – A double major means a student studies two main subjects in college instead of just one. They take a lot of classes in both subjects and earn a degree that includes both majors.5. Eisenhower Matrix – This is a tool to help people decide what tasks to do first. It sorts tasks into four categories. It helps with time management and productivity.• Urgent & Important (Do these now!)• Important but Not Urgent (Plan to do these later)• Urgent but Not Important (Maybe let someone else do these)• Not Urgent & Not Important (Probably don’t need to do these)6. Office Hours – Office hours are times when college professors or TAs are available to meet with students. Students can ask questions, get extra help, or talk about assignments. It’s like a built-in study help time. Students listening to this episode should be able to discuss: - What are potential benefits for attending school close to home? Far from home?- What advice to the guests provide about taking classes?- What are some of the ways you can budget your time?- What is a way you can help keep yourself accountable for getting work done?- What have these students done to stay connected with the Educators Rising community in their colleges?- How can students become better known by their professors and get help, if needed?

Dr. John Hendron speaks with PDK International’s Foundation chairperson, Dr. Angela Walmsley and PDK International’s programs and outreach coordinator, Ms. Zoey Tweh, about the Phi Delta Kappa travel program and this summer’s trip to Brazil. Founded decades ago, the PDK Travel program allows PDK members, in addition to Educators Rising teacher leaders and Pi Lambda Theta members, to explore new parts of the world together through international travel. In this episode we highlight what to expect, how to take advantage of scholarships for the program, and details about this summer’s itinerary. To become a PDK member, visit www.pdkintl.org.

Teachers: Are you familiar with NAEP? How is this assessment different from high stakes tests or assessments you use in the classroom? In this episode, we discuss the uniqueness of the NAEP and this year’s results. The National Assessment Governing Board is committed to maintaining the integrity and independence of The Nation’s Report Card as a trusted yardstick for U.S. student achievement. In this episode, Mr. Patrick Kelly, a high school social studies teacher from South Carolina, who also serves on the National Assessment Governing Board, talks to our chief executive, Dr. James Lane, about the role NAEP plays in conversations about U.S. education policy. Mr. Kelly is an accomplished educator with experience in developing the potential of educators in his district. He holds degrees from the University of South Carolina in history and political science, an MAT in social studies, and an MEd in education administration. You can learn more about the National Assessment Governing Board at their website, nagb.org.