Unpacking Education & Tech Talk For Teachers

“Every week, you’re within arm's reach of a kid who needs to hear the right words to get them looking in the right direction,” says our guest, Dé Kwaan Wynn. He continues, “And kids need a light these days, so do your best to be that for them.”This message rings true throughout this episode as Dé Kwaan shares his story. It’s a story that begins with his earliest memory of a SWAT team breaking down the door of his family apartment and arresting his mother. It’s a story about an academically gifted child who struggled with behavior in school. Ultimately, it’s a story of teachers who helped Dé Kwaan see his worth and helped steer him in the right direction, so he could use his gifts and fulfill his potential. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll explore the unique and important role curiosity plays in the learning process. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

This week, we share a student success story about a current high school student rather than a past graduate. Our guest, Ruby Arun, is a high school sophomore and the founder and CEO of the nonprofit organization Mission:MathMinds. Ruby created the organization in 2020 and says, “Our purpose and mission is to empower girls in STEM.” Through a combination of hard work and passion, Ruby and her team at Mission:MathMinds have mentored hundreds of students, donated thousands of books, shared inspirational stories of female leaders, and hosted such events as webinars, in-person gatherings, and a national conference. Tune in to hear more about this inspirational story of a student with big dreams, incredible talents, and a motivation to make the world a better place. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll review four strategies for making email more manageable. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In this episode, Unpacking Education cohost Dr. Winston Benjamin shares his unique story of success. He retells his memories from growing up in Jamaica, his family’s journey to the Bronx in New York, and ultimately his move to Washington state where he earned his PhD.As he tells his story, Winston explains the life lessons that he learned along the way and how those lessons have shaped him personally and professionally as an educator. By listening to his story, we can vicariously learn from his road to success. In turn, by implementing those lessons ourselves, we can help students be more successful in our classrooms. Through these insights, we can do as Winston says: “Let your kids be all they can be.” Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll explore how you can use the 3 B4 T framework to organize and present online study skills to your students, empowering them to be successful when learning independently.To learn more about today’s topic, visit AVID Open Access. Explore the article called “Help Students Hone Their Online Study Skills.” In this article, you will also find a link to a free 3 B4 T student information poster.

“It only takes one teacher. One teacher to see me for me to see myself. One.”These words from our guest, Jesula Jeannot, reverberate throughout this episode as she talks about her journey as an earthquake survivor in Haiti to a successful college graduate and marketing professional in the United States. JJ says, “At 24, I call myself a success story,” and she adds, “Look at how far I’ve come.”As Jesula shares her journey from a challenging childhood experience to the other side of pain, it is clear that supportive teachers made a special impact on her life. Tune in to be reminded of the incredible impact teachers can have on their students’ lives. As JJ says, “There are thousands and thousands of Jesula’s out there, and it only takes one teacher to make that huge impact on my life.”Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Review eight ways that you can create a classroom culture of academic integrity. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In this episode, we hear the story of Jonathan Grant Brown. Jonathan grew up in foster care after having been abandoned by his mother at an early age, which led to behavior issues and struggles in school. But his teachers never gave up on him. Jonathan talks about the “consistent and unwavering determination by educators to just keep helping, no matter how disruptive I was. No matter how many times I cursed or hurt a teacher’s feelings, they just wouldn’t quit on me.”Jonathan’s story is both heartbreaking and inspirational. Through the efforts and actions of his teachers, he graduated from high school, college, and grad school to become a successful public speaker and communications expert, now serving as the Community Engagement Manager for AVID Center. These experiences have taught him to pay it forward. He encourages educators to “be brave in activating your community around you and ask for help. And help those who need it, because together, there’s nothing we can’t overcome, and there’s not a student we can’t impact.” Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today’s episode, we'll review four digital tools and four integration ideas for using ePortfolios in your classroom. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.