New Teacher Talk

Ep. 118: Oral Language Acquisition through Read Alouds

Dive into the world of literacy with Leana Malinowsky, the 2022-2023 Middlesex County Teacher of the Year, as she unveils the transformative power of read-alouds in language acquisition. In this compelling episode of New Teacher Talk, Leana breaks down the complex components of reading comprehension, exploring how strategic read-alouds can be a game-changer for students of all backgrounds and abilities. From decoding skills to vocabulary expansion, discover how this 17-year veteran educator illuminates the critical role of oral language development in educational success. Whether you're a new teacher, a seasoned educator, or simply passionate about literacy, this episode offers invaluable insights into creating rich, engaging learning experiences through the art of reading aloud.

Remember, World Read Aloud Day is on February 2nd!

Helpful Links

Reading Rockets: www.readingrockets.org

International Dyslexia Organization: https://dyslexiaida.org

#TeacherPodcast #LiteracySkills #EducationTips #ReadAlouds #TeacherDevelopment #LearningStrategies #LanguageAcquisition #SpecialEducation #ClassroomTips

World Read Aloud Day is on February 2nd. It's great that future teachers can hear a bit about oral language and connect it with World Read Aloud Day.

Ep 117: Mythbusters about Teaching & Learning: Learning Styles (1 of 3 episodes)

Ready to challenge what you thought you knew about teaching? In this eye-opening episode of New Teacher Talk, Dr. Ken King from Aurora University tackles one of education's most persistent myths: learning styles. Discover why this popular concept might be holding back both teachers and students, and learn what cognitive science actually tells us about effective learning. Dr. King breaks down the evidence (or lack thereof) behind learning styles and offers practical, research-based strategies you can implement in your classroom tomorrow. Whether you're a new teacher or a veteran educator, this episode will transform how you think about student learning. Join us as we separate fact from fiction and explore what really works in education.

KEYWORDS:  #learningstyles #teachingstrategies #mythbusters #learning #newteachers #aurorauniversity

Ep 116: Building a Comprehensive Computer Science Program

Join us for an enlightening conversation between Melissa Axelsson (Dean of Students) and Susan Olszewski (Dean of Faculty) from New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning (NJCTL) as they share their expertise on building robust computer science (CS) programs in secondary schools. Learn how to effectively scaffold learning from introductory CS to AP courses, discover strategies for increasing student access, and explore NJCTL's comprehensive resources including graduate-level courses and free teaching materials. As a College Board endorsed provider, NJCTL offers valuable insights for high school teachers looking to strengthen their computer science programs. Whether you're starting from scratch or enhancing an existing program, this episode provides practical guidance for educators at all levels.

Keywords: #ComputerScience #APCourses #Science #TeacherPD #NJCTL

Ep 115: Self Care for Teachers

In this enlightening episode of New Teacher Talk, educator Jameelah Wright dives deep into the crucial yet often overlooked topic of teacher self-care. Learn six practical strategies that can transform your well-being without overwhelming your already busy schedule. From creating your personal sanctuary to building a strong support network, Jameelah shares battle-tested approaches that work in the real world of education. Plus, discover how the innovative Finch app can turn self-care into an engaging daily habit through gamification. Whether you're a first-year teacher or a seasoned educator, this episode offers the guidance you need to prioritize your own wellness.

#TeacherSelfCare #TeacherWellness #TeacherLife #EducatorWellness #TeacherMindfulness #TeacherMentalHealth #TeacherTips #NewTeacherTalk #TeachersOfInstagram #EducatorsOfInstagram

Ep 114: New Year. New You. New Semester.

New year, new semester! Join Dr. Anna and Dr. Beth as they share proven strategies to help teachers thrive in 2025. From rebuilding classroom dynamics to prioritizing teacher wellness, this episode delivers actionable tips for starting fresh. Perfect for new teachers seeking guidance on classroom management, student engagement, and work-life balance.

Keywords: #NewSemester2025 #TeacherTips #ClassroomManagement #TeacherWellness #StudentEngagement #TeacherLife #EducatorSupport #TeacherCommunity #ProfessionalDevelopment #TeacherSelfCare

Ep 113: Recharge & Reflect: A Teacher's Guide to Holiday Renewal

The holiday break is more than just time off—it's an opportunity for personal and professional rejuvenation. In this essential episode of New Teacher Talk, our expert educators share invaluable strategies for meaningful reflection, stress relief, and intentional rest. From gratitude practices and work-life balance to creative goal-setting and connection with loved ones, discover how to make the most of your well-deserved break.

Keywords: #TeacherWellness #EducatorSelfCare #HolidayRest #ProfessionalDevelopment #TeacherMindset #WorkLifeBalance

Ep 112: Transforming Teaching: A Journey Through Mathematics Education

In this episode of New Teacher Talk, Dr. Beth and Dr. Anna sit down with Hannah Curran, an inspiring early career educator and the first graduate of the Master’s in Elementary Mathematics program at New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning (NJCTL). Hannah shares her unique teaching journey, starting in social studies and now excelling as a special education teacher in science. Hear how she overcame her insecurities in math, embraced the flexibility of NJCTL’s program, and transformed her teaching practice with insights on content mastery and continuous assessment. Discover how professional development opportunities like graduate school and additional certifications can empower educators and enhance student outcomes.  

Tune in to explore how adaptability, innovative teaching strategies, and lifelong learning can make a lasting impact in the classroom!  

If you’d like to learn more about NJCTL’s graduate school program: https://njctl.org/teacher-education/graduate-school/

Ep 111: Four Strategies to Transform How Your Students Experience Mathematics

Ready to revolutionize your math classroom? In this enlightening episode, Dr. Sara Curran, a veteran K-5 instructional coach and former fourth-grade teacher, unpacks four game-changing strategies that will transform how your students experience mathematics.

Drawing from her extensive classroom experience, Dr. Curran reveals the secret sauce to creating a vibrant math learning community where every student can thrive. She breaks down the crucial progression from concrete to abstract thinking, offering practical tools and techniques that you can implement immediately.

Whether you're struggling with student participation or looking to elevate your math instruction, this episode delivers actionable strategies that work across all elementary grade levels. Dr. Curran shares her treasure trove of tried-and-tested resources, from engaging manipulatives to innovative digital tools, all designed to spark mathematical thinking and foster productive struggle.

Episode Highlights:

• Building an inclusive math community where every voice matters
• The step-by-step journey from concrete to abstract mathematical understanding
• Proven techniques for boosting student engagement and participation
• How to design and implement productive struggle tasks that challenge and motivate
• Practical differentiation strategies that meet diverse learning needs

Perfect for K-5 teachers, instructional coaches, and anyone passionate about making math accessible and engaging for young learners. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your math instruction and ignite a love for mathematical thinking in your classroom.

Ep 110: Formal Evaluation as an Early Career Teacher

In this essential episode of New Teacher Talk, Dr. Amy Howerton, English Department Chair at Oswego High School, shares her expertise on navigating teacher evaluations with confidence. Drawing from over two decades of experience as both a teacher and evaluator, Dr. Howerton presents four actionable tips that every new teacher needs to know. From understanding evaluation criteria to mastering pre and post-evaluation conversations, this episode provides a roadmap for turning evaluations into opportunities for professional growth. Whether you're preparing for your first evaluation or looking to improve your approach, Dr. Howerton's insights will help you transform this challenging process into a valuable learning experience.

🎧 Key Topics:

• Building confidence through preparation
• The power of active listening in evaluation meetings
• Making the most of mentor relationships
• Turning evaluation into an ongoing growth opportunity

Ep 109: Using Polling Devices in the Classroom

Join us as we dive into the world of classroom polling with education experts Susan Olszewski and Melissa Axelsson from the New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning (NJCTL). Discover how polling devices can transform student engagement, provide real-time feedback, and help teachers identify and address misconceptions more effectively. Our guests share practical strategies, success stories, and tips for implementing polling tools like Socrative in your classroom. Whether you're tech-savvy or just getting started, this episode offers valuable insights for educators at all levels.

Learn more:

NJCTL: www.njctl.org

Socrative: www.socrative.com

Pear Deck: www.peardeck.com

Keywords: #EdTech #StudentEngagement #FormativeAssessment #ClassroomPolling #TeacherPD #NJCTL