Learning Unlocked

Learning Unlocked is hosted by Brit Bingold, an Instructional Specialists for Gilbert Public Schools, in Gilbert AZ. GPS and our Professional Growth Department believe that educators are the key-holders to unlocking learning for students. The goal of the podcast is to provide educators with resources and tools--the KEYS--to enable and accelerate learning for all students.

S858: Behavioral Insights: Helping Educators Tackle Classroom Challenges 02/28/2025

S858: Behavioral Insights: Helping Educators Tackle Classroom Challenges 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: (has PTR info) Credits: Prevent Teach Reinforce - PTR (District Model for Behavior) Crisis Prevention Intervention- CPI (GPS listeners, register in Vector: 1 class per month!) /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/35485950

S8E57: Active Math: Cultivating Thinking Classrooms and Student Engagement 01/30/2025

S8E57: Active Math: Cultivating Thinking Classrooms and Student Engagement 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! /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/35087380

S7E56: The Impact of Special Areas on Student Learning 03/11/2024

S7E56: The Impact of Special Areas on Student Learning 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: /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/30258683

S7E55: Tackling Teacher Perfectionism and More! 02/05/2024

S7E55: Tackling Teacher Perfectionism and More! 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! /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/29772988

S7E54: Gamification for Motivation using Classcraft 10/25/2023

S7E54: Gamification for Motivation using Classcraft 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 for relationship building and creating a classroom culture. (can be used in partnership with ). /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/28415321

S7E53: Getting Candid: Grading and Teacher Credibility 09/20/2023

S7E53: Getting Candid: Grading and Teacher Credibility 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: /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/28071732

S7E52: Building Community & Confidence with Younger Students 09/04/2023

S7E52: Building Community & Confidence with Younger Students 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! /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/27918351

S7E51: Perspectives on Teaching: Just Give Them a Pencil! 08/07/2023

S7E51: Perspectives on Teaching: Just Give Them a Pencil! 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"! /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/27640269

S6E50: Purposeful Classroom Movement 04/03/2023

S6E50: Purposeful Classroom Movement 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? /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/26381151

S6E49: Say, Do, Make, Write: Opportunities for Formative Assessment 03/13/2023

S6E49: Say, Do, Make, Write: Opportunities for Formative Assessment 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? /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/26155776

S6E48: Strategies for Effective Cooperative Learning 02/20/2023

S6E48: Strategies for Effective Cooperative Learning 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? /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/25917072

S6E47: Rethinking Note-Taking 02/06/2023

S6E47: Rethinking Note-Taking 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? /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/25812882

S6E46: Elephants in the Classroom 01/23/2023

S6E46: Elephants in the Classroom 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? /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/25650291

S5E45: Critical Wait Time Part 2 12/05/2022

S5E45: Critical Wait Time Part 2 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 made by Julia Salce /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/25169259

S5E44: Critical Wait Time Part 1 11/14/2022

S5E44: Critical Wait Time Part 1 Guest: Julia Salce, M.Ed, NBCT & Instructional Specialist In this episode, Julia and Brit GEEK OUT over their new learning about "wait time." We chat about how the brain learns through a "race-car vs. hiker brain" analogy and reveal how crucial wait time is for critical thinking and learner efficacy. Want to learn more? THE ARTICLE by Marcia L. Tate /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/24958503

S5E43: Burning SPED Questions Answered 10/31/2022

S5E43: Burning SPED Questions Answered 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. /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/24764223

S5E42: Collecting Frequent 'Kid Data' 10/17/2022

S5E42: Collecting Frequent 'Kid Data' 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: from The Teaching Channel /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/24548940

S5E41: Instructional Tech Tools for '22 09/19/2022

S5E41: Instructional Tech Tools for '22 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)? Are you a GPS Employee? Check out the page! It is amazing. /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/24388242

S5E40: Strategies that Fuel the Brain 09/05/2022

S5E40: Strategies that Fuel the Brain Guest: Julia Salce, Instructional Specialist In this episode, Julia and I chat about the ways the brain learns and how and WHY the 'link-it-learn-it-log-it' strategy for note-taking and the 'blind brain dump' strategy for retrieval practice help ALL students learn. Want more? by Barbara Oakley, Beth Rogowsky, and Terrence J. Sejnowski (the big orange book that Julia LOVES). The by Julia Salce The ' with Color Coding' Strategy by John Medina by Kate Jones /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/24247341

S5E39: Student-Centered Coaching 08/22/2022

S5E39: Student-Centered Coaching Guests: Sarah Erhart, Ayn Kelly-Harris, Tammie Borden, and Wendy Peterson In this episode, a few of our district instruction coaches stopped by to discuss the role of an instructional coach and explain how coaches are an essential part of student-centered learning and collective teacher efficacy. Want to learn more? Visit: https://www.dianesweeney.com/ /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/24086802

S4E38: A Culture of REFLECTion 05/23/2022

S4E38: A Culture of REFLECTion Guests: Julia Salce and Wendy Peterson, Instructional Specialists In this season finale, we discuss the last domain of our district Instructional Framework. The Reflect domain wraps of the mini-series we have done within Season 4. Want to know more? Bookmark us: by Jennifer Gonzalez Rapid Fire Questions from the Podcast hosted by Brene Brown /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/23156282

S4E37: Instructional Book Tasting 04/11/2022

S4E37: Instructional Book Tasting Guests: Julia Salce and Wendy Peterson In this episode, we chat about what we are currently reading and provide a 'taste' of each instructional book and what it has to offer educators. Instructional Books Discussed: by Barbara Oakley PhD, Beth Rogowsky EdD, Terrence J. Sejnowski by John Hattie & Klaus Zierer by Cassandra Erkens, Tom Schimmer, and Nicole Dimich Vagle John Hattie’s Visible Learning Website: Other Instructional Books We Love: by Kate Jones by Kate Jones by Denise White and Alisa Braddy by Marcia Tate Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics, Grades K-12: 14 Teaching Practices for Enhancing Learning by Peter Liljedahl Our Favorite Instructional Websites for Articles: Edutopia.com Teachthought.com Cultofpedagogy.com Edweek.org /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/22719176

S4E36: ASSESSment in ACTION 04/04/2022

S4E36: ASSESSment in ACTION Guests: Wendy Peterson and Julia Salce In this episode, the three of us dive into different types of assessment and how they each impact learning. We also discuss how to create a feedback-friendly culture in the classroom. Want to know more? Bookmark us: by W. James Popham. "When teachers stop learning, so do students." -Jim Knight Check out our PGD Feedback Templates: /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/22612313

S4E35: Painless Pivots for 4th Quarter 03/14/2022

S4E35: Painless Pivots for 4th Quarter Guests: Julia Salce and Wendy Peterson In this episode, we face “the beginning of the end” of this school year by unlocking three ways to painlessly pivot in order to wrap up this quarter in a positive and productive way. Want to learn more? by Michelle Trujillo by Barbara Oakley, PhD, Beth Rogowsky, EdD, and Terrence J. Sejnowski by PGD staff Unofficial sponsor of this episode: @rise.up.bakery | /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/22384004

S4E34: Revisiting the Importance of ALEs 03/01/2022

S4E34: Revisiting the Importance of ALEs Today’s episode is from season 1, episode 7 on Creating Active Learning Experiences. In this episode, Julia Salce debunks the myths of direct instruction and discusses the high-impact of blending short bursts of instruction with (ALEs), no matter the age group or content area. We also discuss briefly the importance of teacher and student clarity in relation to direct instruction. This episode repost is in response to our development of a NEW series of active learning experience strategy videos on our department . Thanks for listening! Enjoy! /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/22298960

S4E33: Quality Test Prep 02/14/2022

S4E33: Quality Test Prep Guests: Julia Salce & Wendy Peterson, Instructional Specialists Gilbert Public Schools Professional Growth & Development As we enter into "testing season," we address high-stakes test preparation. In the episode, we dive into the "dos" and "don'ts" of test prep and the importance of using as an effective strategy in creating quality learning and test prep throughout the entire school year. Want to learn more? Check out our ! As mentioned in this episode: Julia's new favorite education book: Uncommon Sense Teaching: by Barbara Oakley, Beth Rogowsky, and Terrence J. Sejnowski /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/22103873

S4E32: Preparing for a Substitute F.A.S.T 01/31/2022

S4E32: Preparing for a Substitute F.A.S.T Guests: Wendy Peterson and Julia Salce Instructional Specialists, Gilbert Public Schools In this episode, we chat about creating effective and efficient substitute plans and discuss ways to make this process more beneficial all. Want our easy-to-use for FREE and for those under the weather? Links above not working? Visit our to download! /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/21894449

S4 Bonus Episode: New Year, New Format 01/25/2022

S4 Bonus Episode: New Year, New Format This week’s episode is a bonus episode. As you all know, we are in the midst of another COVID surge. /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/21827825

S3E31: Unwrap Your Own "Present" 12/06/2021

S3E31: Unwrap Your Own "Present" Guest: Suzanne Lunt, Instructional Coach /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/21370526

S3E30: Correcting Common Classroom Blunders 11/22/2021

S3E30: Correcting Common Classroom Blunders Guest: Dawn Koberstein /episode/index/show/learningunlocked/id/21222497

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