Are you using the most effective teaching strategies without even realizing it?Boost student engagement with simple, research-backed practices! In my 30 years of teaching, I’ve found that active learning and problem-based learning are game changers—science says so too. Active learning involves students actively participating through discussions, hands-on activities, and cooperative structures like Kagan methods—easy, fun, and highly effective. Problem-based learning takes it a step further: students tackle real-world problems, foster collaboration, and develop critical thinking skills—skills they'll use for life. Incorporating culturally responsive practices makes learning even more meaningful by connecting content to students' personal experiences and backgrounds. So, instead of overhauling your entire approach, try starting a lesson with a real-world problem or a short review—small tweaks can make a big difference! Think about which of these strategies you could try today. What’s one you’re excited to experiment with? Remember—learning is most powerful when it’s active, relevant, and engaging. 

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Want to master classroom management, and not just survive the day?  Listen for the MOST effective and important ways to become a true master teacher!  Use phrases, timing tips and research-based ideas to up your game.

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In this episode of Teaching A to Z, we explore Growth Mindset: Research and Implications in the Classroom—what the latest studies reveal about its impact and where the evidence falls short. While growth mindset has inspired educators to focus on effort and persistence, recent research suggests that the effects on student achievement are modest. The podcast highlights that a more reliable way to boost learning outcomes is by increasing student motivation. Listeners will hear practical, research-based strategies for integrating motivational techniques into daily teaching—from goal setting and autonomy-building to connecting learning with students’ interests—helping teachers create classrooms where students are not just trying harder, but truly wanting to learn.

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 When teaching gets overwhelming, it helps to step back and focus on what’s most important. Executive functioning—the skills that help us manage daily life—comes down to four main elements: organization, time management, memory, and attention. As teachers, we use these constantly, whether it’s keeping materials in order, pacing lessons, remembering dozens of details, or staying focused in the middle of distractions. Listen in, as we go over some specific tips and information for teachers to help you hone your executive functioning skills and get things done.

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The new school year is here—and so is a new episode of Teaching A to Z! 
 In this episode, we’re diving into:
The latest news and updates for teachers in 2025 Practical ways to start the year strong and stress less How to incorporate AI into your Google Slides to save time and boost learning

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

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In this episode, we explore the teachers shortage and examine the contributing factors.  We review the pay gap, lack of prestige, little professional autonomy, poor working conditions, the villainization of teacher unions, and the lack of a diverse work force and will explore how all of these factors have led to the problems we face attracting and keeping teachers.

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 In this episode of TEACHING A TO Z, we tackle one of the toughest parts of being an educator: managing difficult interactions with students, parents, and administrators. From disruptive classroom behavior to tense parent-teacher conferences and navigating school politics, we’re diving deep into practical strategies and evidence-based approaches to help you handle these challenges with confidence and professionalism. 

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What is classroom management?  It is the ART of teaching.  Learn about the research on defining, measuring, teaching and mastering the art of classroom management in this podcast: C is for Classroom Management. 

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What is ADHD? What does the research say?  Deepen your understanding of these students who come to you every year with their unique needs, strengths and possibilities.  

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In this episode, we continue discussing ADHD in the classroom, solutions for teachers and for students with ADHD, the research on the efficacy of classroom interventions, and ways teachers can help.  

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In this episode, we discuss how to emotionally and practically prepare yourself for a new school year.  We share research and information about ways to help both new teachers and veteran teachers start the year off right. We share tips to help you battle stress, ways to deal with the emotional roller-coaster of going back to school, and a list of to-dos when preparing for the year.

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In this episode, we continue discussing ADHD in the classroom, solutions for teachers and for students with ADHD, the research on the efficacy of classroom interventions, and ways teachers can help.  

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In this episode, we discuss behaviors of students with ADHD, how ADHD is diagnosed, research on issues facing students with ADHD, research on the effects of teachers of students with ADHD, strengths of people who have ADHD, and how to help.  This is part 1 of a two-part episode of information and research about students with ADHD in the classroom.

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