What happens when teachers lead the learning—and actually make it stick?

In this episode, we tap into the energy of InnovateEd, our first teacher-led conference, and turn those moments into practical moves you can try right away. From strategies that blend playful rigor with real thinking, to simple protocols that bring student ideas to the surface, this conversation is all about keeping powerful ideas alive long after the session ends.

Join the conversation together with guests Melanie Larsen, Amelia Turner, and Stephanie Dean to learn what made the learning land, why teacher voice matters more than ever, and how small shifts—done well—can transform the classroom. If you’ve ever left a great professional learning session wondering how to make it stick, this one’s for you.

Pick one idea. Try it within 72 hours. Then pass it on. 

“Sit and get” professional development is easy to schedule and hard to defend. What busy educators actually need is learning that respects their time, connects to their students, and leaves them with something they can use tomorrow.

We’re joined by St. Lucie Public Schools instructional specialist Kimberly Wadsworth and Teacher Leader Dr. Trevor Sparacio to unpack a different approach: differentiated professional learning built around choice, relevance, and teacher voice. We talk through Innovate Ed, a first annual teacher-led conference designed by teachers for teachers, where sessions are created and facilitated by educators who are testing strategies in real classrooms every day. From the opening keynote energy to the time-block structure that lets you personalize your day, the goal is practical application, not passive compliance.

We also dig into what shows up inside the sessions: classroom management moves, literacy strategies, student engagement, technology integration, and support for diverse learners. Trevor shares concrete examples of how to use data in a meaningful way with tools many teachers already have, including iReady, IXL, and Performance Matters, turning diagnostics and item analysis into targeted warmups and small-group plans. Kimberly highlights interactive design elements like modeling, movement, and collaboration so teachers leave equipped, not overwhelmed.

Last, we get honest about the part that matters most: implementation. We discuss follow-up coaching, PLC reflection, peer modeling, and district resources that help new learning stick over time. If you’re local, we share registration details; if you’re outside the district, you’ll still walk away with a blueprint for building teacher-led learning where you are. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review, then tell us: what kind of professional learning would actually work best for you?

The biggest shifts in learning often happen in the smallest moments—at a back table, over a shared text, with a clear purpose and timely feedback. We sit down with Samantha Lamora, K–5 ELA curriculum specialist, to unpack how intentional small groups can transform reading and writing growth without overwhelming your day. From decoding breakthroughs in primary grades to rich text analysis in upper elementary, we map out what responsive, student-centered instruction looks like when it’s focused, flexible, and grounded in evidence.

We walk through the heartbeat of effective small groups: aligning to the gradual release of responsibility and bringing the You Do Together phase to life. You’ll hear how to spot readiness signals, set a single learning target, and keep the cognitive lift on students while you calibrate supports in real time. Samantha shares concrete strategies for foundational skills—explicit modeling, repeated opportunities to respond, and immediate corrective feedback—as well as tools for comprehension and writing, including sentence frames, structured discussion, and quick checks that make thinking visible.

The conversation tackles the questions teachers ask most: How do I group students without labels? How do I fit it all in? Most importantly, we center student identity and confidence, ensuring groups address needs without defining learners. If you’re ready to teach the learner, not the label, and make small groups the most responsive part of your ELA block, this conversation will give you clear steps to start tomorrow.

Enjoyed the episode? Follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a quick review to help more educators find these strategies.

Join me this month as I chat with Zulay Garcia, Science Curriculum Specialist in St. Lucie Public Schools, to unlock the power of sensemaking in your science classroom! In this new episode, we unpack simple, high‑impact ways teachers can help students think deeply, connect ideas, and make meaning. It’s a quick, energizing conversation you won’t want to miss—tune in and spark curiosity from day one!

Giving Teachers the ELL Edge (Special Winter Edition)

This episode is all about practical, high‑impact strategies teachers can use right away to support English Language Learners. We’re diving into tools that make instruction more accessible, routines that build language confidence, and classroom moves that help multilingual learners thrive without adding extra stress to your workload.

From scaffolding techniques and vocabulary routines to engagement strategies, technology tools, and professional learning, we’re sharing the approaches that truly give teachers an ELL edge. Whether you’re new to working with English learners or looking to sharpen your toolkit, this conversation is packed with ideas you can bring straight into your classroom.

Join me as I chat with the inspiring Dr. Trevor Sparacio — Social Studies teacher, department chair, and lifelong learner in St. Lucie Public Schools. In this episode, we explore how teachers can move beyond test scores and spreadsheets to help students become masters of their own data. Trevor shares practical strategies that empower learners to track progress, set goals, and take ownership of their growth. Get ready for an engaging conversation full of insights, stories, and tools you can bring back to your classroom to unlock every student’s potential.

Join the conversation with Dr. LeiNitia Robinson and Terrence Platt, dynamic Career Coaches from St. Lucie Public Schools, as they explore how educators are transforming Career and Technical Education (CTE) from a classroom concept into a powerful pathway for student success. In this episode, we dive into the inspiring stories, strategic guidance, and real-world impact of teachers who are championing CTE programs—bridging passion with purpose and helping students earn industry-recognized certifications. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or advocate for workforce readiness, this conversation will energize your vision for what’s possible when teachers lead the way.

In this episode, Behavior Specialist Caroline Redding brings practical wisdom and real-world strategies to help teachers turn their classroom vision into reality. Whether it's building a community of respect, setting clear expectations, or simply trying to get your students to line up without chaos—this episode is packed with actionable insights you can use today. If you're ready to lead with purpose and manage with confidence, this is the episode you don’t want to miss, turning classroom dreams into daily routines! 

🎙️ Season Premiere: Level Up Your Professional Learning
Welcome to a brand-new season of the podcast where we dive into power moves that elevate your professional learning journey! This season kicks off with a dynamic conversation with instructional specialist Kim Wadsworth exploring how educators can take intentional steps to grow, lead, and thrive. This season highlights the wide range of differentiated learning experiences we offer in Talent Development—designed to meet all educators where they are and help them level up in meaningful ways. Get ready to 'Grab & Grow!'

Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez in the latest episode of the Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators. In this episode of Math Matters, we dive into the power of mathematics in education with former Curriculum Specialist and now Assistant Principal Courtney Ballantine. From fostering a growth mindset to making math more engaging and meaningful, Courtney shares practical strategies for helping students connect math to real-life experiences. Whether you're an educator looking for fresh insights or a math enthusiast eager to explore new teaching approaches, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in and discover how to inspire curiosity, confidence, and deep understanding in the math classroom!

Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez in the latest episode of the Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators. In this episode, I sit down with a dynamic principal, Ebony Jarrett to explore powerful ways school leaders can uplift, inspire, and support teachers in building self-efficacy and flourishing in their profession. From fostering a culture of confidence to creating meaningful growth opportunities, we dive into what it truly takes to help educators feel valued, capable, and energized in their work. 

Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez in the latest episode of the Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators. Special thanks to Renae in Australia for writing in to suggest the area of focus for this episode. Listen to a compelling conversation with Didi Johnson, Coordinator of Quality Instruction at St. Lucie Public Schools. Didi oversees the Talent Development Department, ensuring that all staff receive timely and relevant professional learning opportunities. Tune in to this insightful episode to hear Didi discuss the concept of 'best fit' pedagogy, which aims to optimize outcomes for both teachers and students. 

Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez in the latest episode of StraightChalk podcast for busy educators where she gets to chat with Rylan Jay, 3rd grade teacher & recently awarded Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year in St. Lucie Public Schools. Listen to Rylan share about her experiences as a new teacher & what it was like to be nominated and chosen as the winner at this year's prestigious Night of the Stars gala evening honoring educators annually! 

Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez in the latest episode of Straight Chalk podcast for busy educators where she gets to chat with Anna Babcock & Renee Hawkins, K-5th grade teachers in St. Lucie Public Schools about Learning Expeditions a brand new differentiated professional learning initiative that promotes authentic and embedded learning experiences for teachers. 

Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez in the latest episode of StraightChalk: Podcast for Busy Educators where she gets to chat with Mark Dionisio, District Wellness Manager in St. Lucie Public Schools about building resilience and empowering wellness for personal and professional success over the holidays & beyond.  Mark's background and expertise in change management provide a unique insight into how educators can make small changes by incorporating some easy techniques that will produce big results when it comes to building resilience. 

Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez inthe latest episode of StraightChalk podcast for busy educators where she gets to chat with Zulay Garcia, District Curriculum Specialist and explore, “Gratitude in action and highlighting community partnerships that inspire.” Being November here in the United States, we come together to give thanks and enjoy time over Thanksgiving with family and friends and so there is no better time to showcase how that is happening right here in SLPS where we get to bring learning to life for students through the generous commitments and support of our local business partners.  

Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez, in the latest episode of the Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators where she gets to chat with Laurie Boyer, Technology Specialist in St. Lucie Public Schools. Laurie supports both instructional and non-instructional staff to expand their technology knowledge and skills. Don’t miss out on the latest podcast episode to hear Laurie share how we can better understand digital citizenship and how to purposefully plan for technology in the classroom to support a positive classroom environment where students can thrive as they learn to meet adaptive challenges. 

Welcome to the StraightChalk: Podcast for Busy Educators! I'm Belinda Benner-Ordoñez an instructional specialist in SLPS. In this month's episode, we are focusing on setting the stage for a high-functioning classroom through successful behavior management practices to create the behaviors we seek! And to do this, we have the wonderful and all-knowing, Caroline Redding, Behavior Specialist in St. Lucie Public Schools here to impart her knowledge and share approaches to classroom management, structures, and instructional routines that will help teachers to avoid common mistakes with behavior management when it comes to working with students. 

Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez in the first episode of Season 2 of "Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators," where she engages in an insightful conversation with Julie Moore, an Instructional Specialist in St. Lucie Public Schools. A former elementary school teacher, Julie specializes in empowering instructional staff by enhancing their pedagogy knowledge, behavior management practices, and effective classroom strategies. Don’t miss out on the latest episode to hear Julie share her thoughts on how to 'spring in' to the new school year with a plan for successful relationship building, time management strategies, and simple ways to collaborate for improved teacher wellness. 

Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez, in the latest episode of the Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators where she gets to chat with Angelia Thomas, Instructional Specialist in St. Lucie Public Schools. Angelia supports instructional staff in growing their pedagogy knowledge and skills, behavior management practices, and effective classroom strategies. Don’t miss out on the latest podcast episode to hear Angelia share her thoughts on how to make the most of learning in the new school year. 

Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez in the latest episode of the Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators where she gets to chat with Julia Hilburn,  technology Instructional Specialist in St. Lucie Public Schools.  Julia supports both instructional and non-instructional staff in growing their technology knowledge and skills. Don’t miss out on the latest podcast episode to hear Julia discuss the recent Summer Summit technology sessions with AI,  and share some easy ways to access technology professional learning through self-paced options or learning cohorts that support teachers in meeting adaptive challenges in preparation for the upcoming school year.

Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez, in the latest episode of the Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators where she gets to continue the conversation with new St. Lucie Public Schools teacher Sandra Tucker. Don’t miss out on the final episode in the “New Teacher Diaries’ series to hear Sandra respond to questions and explore topics sent in by other new SLPS teachers.

Join Belinda Benner-Ordoñez, in the latest episode of the Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators where she gets to continue the conversation with new St. Lucie Public Schools teacher Sandra Tucker. Don’t miss out on the latest in the “New Teacher Diaries’ series to hear Sandra share how she has cultivated her own growth mindset throughout the year, and how by celebrating progress over perfection, modeling, and other practical ways, she is able to foster resilience, and a deeper love of learning in her students.

Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez, Instructional Specialist in St. Lucie Public Schools as she continues the conversation with new 3rd-grade teacher Sandra Tucker in the latest episode of the 'New Teacher Diaries' special series.  Listen to Sandra share her thoughts about individual, classroom, and school-wide practices for developing focused students in a thriving classroom environment to minimize problem behaviors.

Join Belinda Benner-Ordoñez, instructional specialist in St. Lucie Public Schools as she continues the conversation with new 3rd-grade teacher Sandra Tucker in the latest episode of the 'New Teacher Diaries' special series.  Listen to Sandra share her thoughts and suggestions for making the most of the time we have and utilizing time management strategies for success.   

Join Belinda Benner-Ordoñez, instructional specialist as she continues the conversation within the 'New Teacher Diaries' series with new SLPS 3rd grade teacher Sandra Tucker.  Listen to Sandra share her thoughts and strategies for building relationships with students and how to include family members in creating a successful classroom community.  

Join Belinda Benner-Ordoñez, instructional specialist as she kicks off a new series called 'New Teacher Diaries' with guest speaker Sandra Tucker, 3rd Grade teacher. Get a glimpse into the day-to-day, the highs, and lows of one of our very own new teachers as she shares her journey with us as well as tips each month on how to stay positive and impact students. 

Instructional Specialist, Belinda Benner-Ordoñez introduces herself and provides a quick description of the new podcast channel for busy educators and what you can expect.