Bite-Sized PL

Our goal is to provide meaningful, engaging, and brief conversations with educators, to help them become the best they can be.

Episode 138: HRS - A Teacher's Perspective 05/06/2025

Episode 138: HRS - A Teacher's Perspective This episode uses a cluttered garage as a metaphor to explore how schools can declutter ineffective practices by focusing on what truly supports learning, guided by the High Reliability Schools (HRS) framework. Third-grade teacher Heidi Green shares her journey from skepticism to empowerment, highlighting how HRS helps create safer, more responsive learning environments by centering student voice, streamlining curriculum, and embracing continuous improvement. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/36402835

Episode 137: Brain Breaks 04/24/2025

Episode 137: Brain Breaks This podcast episode explores the science and practical use of brain breaks in classrooms, highlighting how both rats and humans consolidate learning during rest. Educators share strategies for implementing effective and manageable breaks, emphasizing how brief pauses help students of all ages reset, stay engaged, and learn more effectively. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/36299585

Episode 136: The Art of Questioning 04/15/2025

Episode 136: The Art of Questioning English teacher Kevin Campbell shares how he creates engaging classroom discussions using techniques like sustained interaction, positive redirection, benign controversy, and blind entry—encouraging students to think deeply and build confidence. Through role play and real examples, Campbell demonstrates how modeling vulnerability and thought processes helps foster a culture of curiosity and learning. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/36153255

Episode 135: Small Shift - Big Impact 03/25/2025

Episode 135: Small Shift - Big Impact Small, consistent habit changes—both in daily life and teaching—can lead to meaningful, sustainable growth. Instructional coaches Chad Crane and Christy Waite emphasize the power of mindset shifts, encouraging teachers to start small, reduce mental load, and adopt practical strategies that make teaching more effective and manageable. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/35856665

Episode 134: Watch and Learn 03/11/2025

Episode 134: Watch and Learn Carly Maloney discusses the impact of "Watch and Learn" sessions, a teacher-led professional development approach that fosters collaboration, trust, and ongoing growth through peer observation. The episode highlights the importance of administrative support, structured scheduling, and cross-curricular learning, emphasizing that a culture of observation and reflection enhances both teaching effectiveness and school culture. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/35548840

Episode 133: Insights from 1st Year Teachers 03/04/2025

Episode 133: Insights from 1st Year Teachers In this episode, we sit down with first-year math teachers Taylor Christensen and Aileen Trost as they share the highs, lows, and surprises of their first year in the classroom. From managing the unexpected to building strong relationships with students, they discuss what they’ve learned, how they’ve grown, and the realities of balancing workload expectations. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned educator, their insights on adaptability, student engagement, and surviving the first year will resonate. Tune in for an honest and inspiring conversation about the journey of becoming a teacher! /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/35537150

Episode 132: School Matters Webinar 02/25/2025

Episode 132: School Matters Webinar The "School Matters" webinar, led by Davis School District leaders, focused on class size concerns, budgeting challenges, and strategies for improving teacher support, including targeted training for TAs and expanded intervention teams. Emphasizing transparency and collaboration, the district reaffirmed its commitment to balancing resources, advocating for increased funding, and ensuring educators feel valued and heard. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/35384060

Episode 131: The Impact of Questions 02/11/2025

Episode 131: The Impact of Questions Jared and Sarah welcome Dr. Doug Ball, Air and Space Force Teacher of the Year, to discuss fostering curiosity and engagement in STEM education through strategic questioning and classroom culture. Doug emphasizes the importance of scaffolding discussions, encouraging student ownership of learning, and creating an inclusive environment that nurtures critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/35075055

Episode 130: Tech Tools for Teachers 02/04/2025

Episode 130: Tech Tools for Teachers This episode explores how educators can enhance learning experiences through technology and creativity. Topics include using Canvas for organization and personalized learning, with tools like Mastery Paths and multimedia content to engage students. Microsoft tools like Teams and OneNote are highlighted for collaboration and efficiency, while Canva stands out as a versatile design tool for all skill levels. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/35075035

Episode 129: The Ideal Teacher Persona: Part 2 01/28/2025

Episode 129: The Ideal Teacher Persona: Part 2 As a teacher, are you more of a Big Bird or a Mr. Rogers? Educators Christy Waite and Melanie Jones discuss how developing a teaching persona, inspired by the blend of fantasy and reality in "Sesame Street" and "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood" can both captivate students and pose challenges, especially when balancing performance with effective teaching strategies. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/34775585

Episode 128: The Ideal Teacher Persona: Part 1 01/21/2025

Episode 128: The Ideal Teacher Persona: Part 1 Chad Crane, an instructional coach, reflects on his new role and the challenges he faces, particularly when a teacher, Melanie Jones, expresses the desire for a new personality to become more engaging in the classroom. The episode explores the tension between the cultural expectations of an ideal teacher persona, often favoring extroverted traits, and the reality that effective teaching can take many forms, including those aligned with quieter, introverted personalities. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/34775515

Episode 127: AI: Your Teaching Sidekick 01/14/2025

Episode 127: AI: Your Teaching Sidekick Chad Crane and CTE teacher Kelsey Bernards discuss how AI has become an invaluable partner for educators, transforming their work practices and providing support in tasks like creating rubrics, generating teaching ideas, and refining assignments. They highlight how AI can act as a thought partner, offering suggestions, prompting higher-order thinking, and reducing teacher exhaustion, making it a powerful tool to enhance both teaching and personal productivity. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/34439505

Episode 126: Genki Balls and Sweet Potatoes - Hope and Humanity in Teaching 01/07/2025

Episode 126: Genki Balls and Sweet Potatoes - Hope and Humanity in Teaching Juliana Urtubey, 2021 National Teacher of the Year shares powerful stories highlighting the transformative role of relationships and dignity in education. Through examples like a student's sweet potato gift and Hawaiian teachers' canal restoration project, the discussion underscores the importance of joy, justice, and collaboration in fostering meaningful change and sustaining educators' purpose. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/34439495

Episode 125: Educational and Fun Gifts 12/17/2024

Episode 125: Educational and Fun Gifts In this holiday-themed episode, the hosts share educational and fun gift ideas, from creating inclusive classroom spaces to using mindfulness tools and innovative accessories like Bluetooth eye masks. They also explore the value of unconventional approaches to pedagogy, recommend resources for student-centered learning, and encourage kindness through gestures like Secret Santa traditions and taking restful naps during the break. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/34439475

Episode 124: Creative Classrooms 12/10/2024

Episode 124: Creative Classrooms Second grade teacher, Melissa Norman explores effective teaching practices, emphasizing creating an engaging and emotionally supportive classroom environment by tailoring lessons to students' unique needs and activating prior knowledge. Daily personal interactions, reflective tools, and fostering creativity to build relationships, all support student success while maintaining a flexible, student-centered approach to learning. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/34166905

Episode 123: Bridging Gaps and Building Futures through the Davis Education Foundation 12/03/2024

Episode 123: Bridging Gaps and Building Futures through the Davis Education Foundation Davis Education Foundation director Jodi Lunt discusses fostering community support for the Davis School District through programs like Cash for Classrooms, Kids Closet, and innovative projects that remove barriers to learning and empower students and educators. Jodi shares inspiring stories of generosity and collaboration, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to enhancing education, meeting students' basic needs, and encouraging listeners to contribute time, talents, and resources to create lasting positive change. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/34256455

Episode 122: Empowering Classrooms Through Tech 11/19/2024

Episode 122: Empowering Classrooms Through Tech Technology Integration Specialist Katie Scholer discusses how technology can transform classroom experiences, making learning more immersive and accessible. Tools like Google Earth, iPads, and AI-driven tutoring help students engage more deeply with content, while ongoing professional development supports teachers in integrating these technologies effectively to enhance student learning. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/33918638

Episode 121: Mastery, Self-Pacing, and Lifelong Learning 11/12/2024

Episode 121: Mastery, Self-Pacing, and Lifelong Learning Chandee Chidester, a thrid grade teacher and distinguished educator for the the Modern Classroom Project, describes teacher sustainability and student-centered, mastery-based learning. Chandee explains how she implemented self-paced lessons in her classroom to cater to different student abilities and challenges, fostering engagement and growth for each student, and shares her excitement about further enhancing her methods to create an even more student-led environment. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/33887007

Episode 120: Clay, Connection and Closure 11/05/2024

Episode 120: Clay, Connection and Closure Retired high school ceramics teacher Shalise Bailey reflects on her teaching journey, the strong bonds she formed with students and colleagues, and the challenges of retirement. She shares advice for both new and experienced teachers to focus on meaningful student connections and to find joy in the small "glimmer moments" that make teaching rewarding. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/33802147

Episode 119: Performance Based Assessments 10/30/2024

Episode 119: Performance Based Assessments Theater and film teacher Liz Christensen discusses the power of performance-based assessments to engage students in authentic learning. She shares how these assessments allow students to demonstrate skills in practical contexts, fostering critical thinking, self-expression, and metacognition across various subjects. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/33684467

Episode 118: Community Schools Supporting Students, Families, and Neighborhoods 10/22/2024

Episode 118: Community Schools Supporting Students, Families, and Neighborhoods Community School Director Robbie Kinghorn discusses school leadership and addressing students' academic and personal needs. By organizing efforts such as supplying shoes and hosting community events, school leaders aim to strengthen the bond between schools and families, encouraging self-sufficiency and deeper engagement. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/33391232

Episode 117: High Expectations and the Power of Making Mistakes 10/08/2024

Episode 117: High Expectations and the Power of Making Mistakes Ceramics teacher Kyle Guymon fosters a hands-on learning environment where students are encouraged to fail, learn, and grow. Kyle shares his strategies for setting high expectations, embracing mistakes as learning opportunities, and inspiring students to express their unique artistic voices in pottery. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/33365537

Episode 116: Transform Learning with Classroom Games 10/01/2024

Episode 116: Transform Learning with Classroom Games Games can boost student motivation and learning in the classroom. Kynda Farrel, Tanielle Carter and Mikell Wilcox share fun, practical game ideas that help students practice math, review concepts, and stay engaged. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/33048452

Episode 115: Building Confidence in a Spanish Immersion Classroom 09/24/2024

Episode 115: Building Confidence in a Spanish Immersion Classroom Cynthia Minson, a first-grade Spanish immersion teacher, discusses the challenges and rewards of teaching students who are new to both school and the Spanish language. Cynthia emphasizes the importance of celebrating small successes to build student confidence and self-regulation, while also discussing how learning centers and individualized goals help address student gaps and promote engagement in the classroom. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/33074537

Episode 114: The Power of Connection 09/17/2024

Episode 114: The Power of Connection Special guest, Jessica Cabeen reflects on the importance of being authentic and connecting with students through simple gestures like high-fives and music, emphasizing how meaningful interactions can have a profound impact. She also share personal challenges, discussing how vulnerability and balancing personal struggles with professional responsibilities can foster stronger relationships and personal growth in education. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/33048382

Episode 113: Collaborative School Culture 09/10/2024

Episode 113: Collaborative School Culture Sunburst Elementary principal Rachel Alberts helps us explore the power of creating an inclusive school environment and building a culture of belonging through intentionality and collaboration. Rachel shares how focusing on collective ownership and efficacy has transformed her school, empowering every educator and staff member to work together to support all students, parents, and the community. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/32949137

Episode 112: EVERY 1 09/03/2024

Episode 112: EVERY 1 Superintendent Dr. Linford explores how the theme- EVERY 1 - reflects a deep commitment to inclusivity and the ultimate goal of making every student and staff member feel truly valued and connected within the school community. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/32783047

Episode 111: Fun Ways to Celebrate Students 08/27/2024

Episode 111: Fun Ways to Celebrate Students In a particularly fun and uplifting session from the 2024 R&R conference, sisters Kara Oliverson and Kirsten Gunderson shared creative ways to celebrate students. The conversation covers practical and engaging strategies for fostering a positive classroom environment, emphasizing the importance of making everyone feel valued and appreciated. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/32588792

Episode 110: Education Wisdom 08/20/2024

Episode 110: Education Wisdom Welcome back for a new school year! In this episode veteran teachers share insights and humorous anecdotes about their experiences and lessons learned. The discussions emphasize the importance of self-care, building relationships with students, and finding joy in teaching, setting a positive tone for the year ahead. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/32588522

Episode 109: Legacy of Learning - Celebrating the Teaching Career 05/21/2024

Episode 109: Legacy of Learning - Celebrating the Teaching Career In this special podcast episode, the Kate Jared and Jenette discuss impactful classroom strategies as they celebrate Jenette's retirement. They share favorite teaching techniques, such as using cold calling cards and fostering personalized learning environments, while emphasizing the importance of teacher-student relationships and the evolving nature of education. /episode/index/show/bite-sizedpl/id/31404472

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