The Thoughtful Teacher Podcast

Send a textJim Vetter the executive director of the Social Emotional Learning Alliance for the United States-SEL4US- shares how this collection of state alliances supports classroom teachers and schools to develop and promote strong social emotional learning initiatives. This is the first of a two part series featuring the work of educators within SEL 4US.Linkshttps://sel4us.org/ Social Emotional Learning Alliance for the US websitehttps://sel4us.org/in-your-state/ State alliance websites

Send us Fan MailDoes your school's detention program do little to teach students how to make better choices in the future? Many do because detention is not used as a learning opportunity. In this episode Leslie Trundy shares how talking students on a hike as an alternative to after school detention actually works as a teaching opportunity and changes detention from punishment to community building. LinksOutdoor Skills Leadership class mentioned in episodeMaine Public Media story about detention hikes

Send us Fan MailAspen Institute Senior Fellow Laura Schifter shares about her work at This Is Planet Ed-part of the Aspen Institute's Energy and Environment Program. This Is Planet Ed an initiative to unlock the power of education as a force for climate solutions to empower the rising generation to lead a sustainable and resilient future. In this conversation we discuss why learning about climate action should be part of the content in all classes and we'll share some actionable ideas for classrooms and schools. Links:This Is Planet EdLaura Schifter, Ed.D. Subject to Climate - teacher resources

Send us Fan MailIt's happened to all of us we have to teach grammar and our teeth clench because we hate it. Almost all teachers have some writing instruction, but the grammar lessons remind us of all the red ink on our own papers when we were in school-so we find work arounds and avoid. In this episode Patty McGee, co-author of the new book Not Your Granny's Grammar, shares that it doesn't have to be like that.LinksPatty’s websiteNot Your Granny’s Grammar book from Corwin Press

Send us Fan MailSchool-based nature educator Kyra Stephenson shares how she developed the nature-based learning program at her school in New York and shares stories about how this program promotes learning with her students. Links from episodeChildren & Nature Network Resources for SchoolsNature Mind Solutions websiteRochester Ecology Partners website-partner organization mentioned in episode

Send us Fan MailChristina Cipriano led a research team that studied over 250 social emotional learning programs worldwide again demonstrating that SEL is effective and essential to promote positive outcomes for all students. In this conversation we discuss why SEL is so important and how your school should approach developing daily, quality SEL interventions for students and why every teacher must intentionally work to promote SEL with all students.Links Christina Cipriano’s websiteYale Child Study CenterYale Education Collaboratory - site for ongoing SEL data updates and additional research

Send us Fan MailAnne Podolsky of the Learning Policy Institute shares the latest research trends in effective teacher professional learning. Some of the findings-particularly on learning environments for experienced teachers may be surprising. What is not surprising is that the collegial professional learning environment of a school has a huge effect on student academic and social emotional learning. Links discussed in conversationThink Again: Do the Returns on Teacher Experience Fizzle Out? research brief by Anne Podolsky and Linda Darling-Hammond published by The Fordham Institute Learning Policy Institute blog 

Send us Fan MailNational Teacher of the Year for 2024-2025 Missy Testerman uses her position to advocate for the teaching profession. In this conversation, she shares how even in times of stress and upheaval there is great joy and positivity in the education profession.LinksRAND study on teacher stressEarlier Rand study on teacher stressNeurolaunch editorial on professional stress

Send us Fan MailShe taught, she founded schools, she was published widely, she demonstrated that women and girls could achieve academically at the same levels as men and boys. She became one of the most famous women of her time in the 19th century. Yet, almost none of us have ever heard of Catharine Beecher (even those who know of her famous younger sister). In this episode biographer R. Lee Wilson shares the story of one of the most influential educators that you have never heard of and why he believes you should know how Catharine Beecher changed American education for the better.LinksLee Wilson’s websiteLee Wilson author page on GoodreadsCatharine Beecher background at PBS 

Send us Fan MailAt both the local and national levels PBS stations are facing serious challenges. Yet, they keep providing some of the most helpful and robust resources for educators. In this conversation local PBS educator Robyn Stringfellow shares how PBS stations support the work of teachers-and will continue to do so in the future!LinksWTCI TV Chattanooga-the local PBS station we discussPBS Kids website PBS Learning Media website-specific for Tennessee teachers, may need to change for your locationPBS Supporting Teachers-informational website