New Teacher Talk

Ep 190: Meaningful Assessment Strategies That Connect Learning to Real-World Impact

Jacqueline Sounhein, National Board Certified Teacher and director at the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, shares transformative strategies for creating meaningful assessments that move beyond standardized testing. Discover how to engage students in authentic, community-based learning experiences by connecting classroom skills to real-world problems students care about.

Jaci outlines two powerful strategies: first, engaging students in identifying problems within their school communities and combining those issues with curriculum standards to create relevant assessments. She provides practical examples, including how to leverage student passion about parking lot challenges to teach argumentation skills effectively.

Second, Jaci demonstrates how to involve students in rubric development and assessment criteria, giving them ownership over their learning journey through journaling, self-assessment, and reflection.

Hear an inspiring case study from Jaci's world cultures classroom, where students organized a community mental health walk/run that raised nearly $10,000 for NAMI. Learn how this comprehensive project allowed for both individual and collaborative assessment while creating lasting impact. Students still reference this experience in college applications years later.

Whether you're looking to increase student engagement, create more authentic assessments, or connect learning to community needs, this episode provides actionable strategies you can implement immediately.

HASHTAGS #MeaningfulLearning #StudentEmpowerment #RealWorldEducation #ProjectBasedLearning  #TeacherInnovation #Teaching Tips #NewTeachers #TeacherLearningJourney #FirstYearTeacher #NewTeacherTalk #TeacherPodcast

Ep 189: Taking Care of You So You Can Take Care of Them

Stress is inevitable in teaching, but it doesn't have to run your life. In this episode, Dr. Anna and Dr. Beth welcome back Jolee Jones, Director of Organizational Development and Experiential Learning with Douglas County School District, for a follow-up to our most downloaded episode ever. Jolee brings practical, research-backed strategies to help early career educators recognize stress before it takes over and build the kind of self-awareness that makes a lasting difference.

From the MEPS framework for spotting your personal stress signals to the Energy Menu concept for fitting self-care into even the busiest school day, this conversation is packed with tools you can use right away, no extra time or money required. Jolee also digs into why saying yes to everything ultimately hurts everyone, how stress ripples from leadership down through a school, and why happiness for new teachers comes down to one powerful equation: reality minus expectations.

Whether you're in your first year or supporting someone who is, this episode is the reminder we all need to put on our own oxygen mask first.

HASHTAGS #TeacherStress #TeacherWellness #TeacherResilience #TeamBreath #NewTeachers #NewTeacherTalk #TeacherPodcast 

Ep 188: Morpheme Magic: Transform Literacy Instruction with the Smallest Units of Meaning That Make the Biggest Impact

In this transformative episode of the New Teacher Talk podcast, Leana Malinowsky, an elementary teacher and certified structured literacy dyslexia specialist, reveals why morphemes are the "magical" building blocks that can revolutionize literacy instruction across all grade levels, and why most teachers weren't adequately trained to teach them.

Discover what morphemes actually are: the smallest units of language that carry meaning in our morphophonemic English language. Leana breaks down the critical differences between free morphemes (standalone words) and bound morphemes (prefixes and suffixes), then further explains inflectional morphemes (changing syntax like tense) versus derivational morphemes (changing word meaning). Through clear mathematical equation demonstrations like "play + er = player," she makes complex linguistic concepts accessible and immediately usable in your classroom.

For teachers of younger students, Leana provides a comprehensive implementation toolkit including teacher modeling techniques, student identification activities, underlining exercises, and word sum practice. She identifies nine essential starter morphemes (S, ES, RE, PRE, IN, ED, ING, ER, EST) that appear frequently in lower grades and demonstrates their powerful cross-curricular applications, including mathematical contexts where ER and EST suffixes naturally occur.

For educators working with older students, this episode explores morphology's far-reaching impact on spelling accuracy, decoding efficiency, reading fluency, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension. Leana advocates for explicit morpheme instruction across all content areas, providing specific subject-based examples: Greek bases (micro, hydro) for science vocabulary and Latin bases (tri, quad) for mathematical terminology. She shares advanced instructional strategies including sophisticated word sum activities, morpheme-based vocabulary analysis, and evidence-based resources from the Florida Center for Reading Research.

Throughout the episode, Leana addresses the gap in teacher preparation programs and provides actionable professional development resources, including Deb Glasser's acclaimed books "Morpheme Magic" and "Morphemes for Little Ones," peer-reviewed academic articles on explicit morphology instruction, and Reading Rockets as an accessible resource for educators and families alike.

This episode empowers teachers to begin morphology instruction immediately, even imperfectly, emphasizing that collective learning and growth benefit both educators and students. Whether you're a special educator, general education teacher, reading specialist, or classroom teacher seeking to strengthen literacy outcomes, this episode delivers the knowledge and practical strategies to make morphemes work in your classroom starting tomorrow.

Perfect for: Elementary teachers, special educators, reading specialists, dyslexia specialists, literacy coaches, student teachers, and any educator committed to evidence-based structured literacy instruction.

3 Resources Mentioned in the Podcast:

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/tiffany-hogan/episodes/Episode-33-Morphology-and-morphological-awareness-with-Julie-Wolter-ehrcm3 

https://nclii.vuspedsites.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Explicit_Morphology_Instruction.pdf?fbclid=IwdGRleAPMAKNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEexGVboQZ4ffyVbnSYpB9QZkx7pbGIr7I2XTO3O-4xqLz_gx4s369f2Xr7BkQ_aem_pj0gvACwMW8TfJbE3bl28w 

https://fcrr.org/student-center-activities/fourth-and-fifth-grade

HASHTAGS: #Morphemes #MorphemeMagic #LiteracyUnlocked #WordPowerSkills #LanguageLearningTips #Teaching Tips #NewTeachers #TeacherLearningJourney #FirstYearTeacher #NewTeacherTalk #TeacherPodcast 

Ep 187: Breaking the "I'm Just Not Good at Math" Myth

Series: 2 of 3 - Breaking the Myth - “Intelligence is Fixed”

In this episode, former high school science teacher Dr. Ken King dismantles one of education's most damaging myths: that success in subjects like math, science, music, or physical education depends on innate talent rather than effort and learning.

Drawing from his classroom experience and modern learning science, Ken explores how deeply ingrained beliefs about fixed intelligence create self-fulfilling prophecies that discourage persistence and curiosity. Students who say "I'm just not a math person" or "I can't do science" aren't recognizing their true potential—they're reflecting cultural myths about how learning works.

Ken presents four evidence-based perspectives that counter these limiting beliefs: neuroplasticity, challenging fixed intelligence assumptions, thoughtful instructional design, and multimodal learning approaches. He explains how the brain literally rewires itself through experience, with neural pathways strengthening through practice and productive struggle. Mistakes aren't failures. They're essential to the neuroplastic process that builds long-term understanding.

The episode offers practical strategies teachers can implement immediately, including process-focused feedback that emphasizes effort and strategy rather than innate ability, scaffolded task design using Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development, and authentic growth mindset modeling. Ken shares specific examples of effective feedback in science and math contexts, backed by research from Hattie and Temperly demonstrating the powerful impact of focusing on learning processes.

Whether you're supporting elementary pre-service teachers who claim they "can't do science" or secondary students convinced they lack a "math brain," this episode provides the research foundation and practical tools to help learners recognize that intelligence is dynamic and grows through challenge, support, and meaningful experience.

Perfect for new teachers, teacher educators, and anyone committed to helping students move beyond limiting beliefs to discover their true learning potential.

HASHTAGS: #GrowthMindset #NeuroplasticityLearning #TeacherEmpowerment #LearningScience #BrainGrowth #EducationMyths #Newteachertips #newteachers #newteachertalk #podcast

Ep 186: Why Your Well-Being Matters for Student Success with Faye Snodgress

In this essential episode of New Teacher Talk, elementary teacher Faye Snodgress reframes educator self-care as fundamental infrastructure for effective teaching, not an earned reward. She challenges the myth that teaching will eventually calm down, establishing that burned-out teachers cannot effectively support student success.

Faye introduces the compassionate systems framework, demonstrating how teachers' well-being directly influences classroom climate, student regulation, and learning outcomes. This perspective transforms self-care from a potentially selfish act into essential maintenance benefiting the entire educational ecosystem.

The episode covers emotional literacy as a critical component, treating emotions as signals rather than problems. Faye acknowledges common feelings among teachers—overwhelm, guilt, self-doubt, anxiety, exhaustion, and grief for unmet expectations—and provides practical reframing techniques to identify what emotions communicate about personal needs and context.

Rather than prescribing intensive routines, Faye emphasizes small, consistent compassionate actions: deep breathing exercises, brief outdoor breaks, declining unnecessary tasks, seeking help when needed, and establishing work boundaries. She introduces a concrete framework for regular self-assessment through weekly or daily check-ins and journaling to track patterns.

The episode concludes with a powerful reminder: when teachers practice emotional awareness and self-care, they model essential life skills for students, including emotional literacy, boundary setting, and regulation. Your well-being directly teaches your students through your example.

Essential listening for educators feeling overwhelmed, questioning whether self-care is "worth the time," or seeking sustainable practices supporting both personal well-being and student success.

HASHTAGS #TeacherSelfCare #EmotionalLiteracy #CompassionateSystems #CompassionateActions #TeacherWellBeing#NewTeachers #NewTeacherTalk #TeacherPodcast

Ep 185: Wait Time 2: The Research-Based Strategy That Transforms Classroom Discussion with Dr. Monica Boehle

Discover how a simple 1-3 second pause can revolutionize your classroom discourse and dramatically increase student engagement. In this research-rich episode, Dr. Monica Boehle, Associate Director of High School Curriculum in St. Charles, Illinois, and National Board Certified Social Studies teacher, breaks down the transformative power of Wait Time, the strategic pause after a student responds.

Dr. Boehle presents compelling research showing that teachers typically dominate 70-80% of classroom talk time, with some students remaining silent for entire school days. Drawing on John Hattie's visible learning research and dialogic teaching principles, she makes the case for shifting this dynamic so learners engage 70% of the time while teachers listen 30%. The evidence is clear: Wait Time 2 produces higher-quality answers, increases participation from quieter students, and creates more efficient, meaningful learning experiences.

This episode is packed with practical implementation strategies, including specific prompting questions, guidance on maintaining neutral body language, and techniques for building a classroom culture where students engage with each other's ideas. Dr. Boehle explains how Wait Time 2 particularly benefits multilingual learners, students with special needs, and struggling students who need additional processing time. You'll learn how to move beyond the traditional Interrogate-Respond-Evaluate model toward genuine classroom discussion that makes every student feel valued and heard.

Whether you're a new teacher building your instructional toolkit or an experienced educator looking to deepen student thinking, this episode offers actionable, research-backed strategies you can implement immediately to transform your classroom discourse.

Key Topics:

• The difference between Wait Time 1 and Wait Time 2
• Research on teacher talk time vs. student engagement
• High-effect-size instructional methods from Hattie's research
• Social-emotional learning benefits of Wait Time 2
• Practical implementation strategies and prompting questions
• Supporting multilingual learners and students with diverse needs
• Building classroom culture for meaningful discourse

HASHTAGS #WaitTime2 #StudentListeningTime #TeacherTalkLess #ClassroomDialogue #ThinkingClassroom #StudentVoiceMatters #NewTeacherSupport #NewTeachers #NewTeacherTalk #TeacherPodcast

Ep 184: Will I Get Rehired? Navigating Contract Renewals and Non-Renewal as a First-Year Teacher

Feeling anxious about whether you'll be offered a contract for next year? You're not alone. In this episode, Dr. Anna and Dr. Beth address one of the most stressful aspects of being a new teacher: contract renewals and job security.

The hosts share personal experiences with the nerve-wracking waiting period, explain typical district timelines for renewal notifications, and help you understand what factors are within your control versus systemic issues like budget cuts or enrollment changes. Learn when to be concerned, how to advocate for yourself through professional conversations with administrators, and practical strategies for managing the emotional toll of uncertainty.

Whether you're hoping for renewal, facing non-renewal, or considering other options due to poor fit, this episode provides honest guidance for navigating this challenging time. Dr. Anna and Dr. Beth discuss what administrators actually look for in renewal decisions, how to demonstrate growth and professionalism, and actionable steps to take regardless of your situation—including strategic job searching while maintaining professionalism in your current role.

If you're checking your mailbox obsessively or lying awake wondering about next year, this episode will help you focus your energy productively and remember that your worth as an educator isn't determined by a single contract decision.

HASHTAGS #ContractRenewalTips #TeacherJobSearching #NewTeacherAnxiety #TeacherGrowthMindset #TeachingResilience #TeacherSelfcare #EducatorEmpowerment #Teaching Tips #NewTeachers #FirstYearTeacher #NewTeacherTalk #TeacherPodcast

Ep 183: Redirecting Behavior #3 Five Proven Strategies to Improve Classroom Behavior and Student Engagement

In this essential episode of the New Teacher Talk podcast, Dr. Anna delivers part three of her comprehensive four-part series on classroom behavior management, focusing on five transformative strategies that address the most common challenges faced by new and early-career teachers.

Discover how to establish effective routines that serve as the "invisible scaffolding" of your classroom, moving beyond simply copying what works for others to creating intentional, age-appropriate systems aligned with your specific goals. Learn the strategic four-level voice system (class voice, small group voice, partner voice, and voice level zero) that removes ambiguity and establishes clear communication expectations throughout your instructional day.

Dr. Anna tackles the self-defeating habit of making excuses for challenging classes, explaining why attributing difficulties to timing or circumstances leads to lowered expectations and acceptance of inappropriate behavior. She provides practical guidance on implementing consequences with confidence, helping teachers overcome reluctance to enforce boundaries while maintaining positive relationships with students.

The episode concludes with insights on bringing authentic energy and passion to your teaching, regardless of your personality type, and understanding the powerful connection between teacher enthusiasm and student engagement. Each strategy includes concrete examples and immediately implementable techniques designed specifically for educators navigating the complexities of classroom management.

Whether you're struggling with transitions, inconsistent student behavior, or maintaining engagement across multiple class sections, this episode delivers the practical, evidence-based approaches you need to transform your classroom management effectiveness.

Perfect for: New teachers, student teachers, teacher mentors, instructional coaches, and any educator seeking to strengthen their classroom management skills.

HASHTAGS #TeacherEnergyMatters #NoClassroomExcuses #VoiceLevelStrategy #ConsistentConsequences #TeachingIntentionally #NewTeacherSupport #NewTeachers #NewTeacherTalk #TeacherPodcast

Ep 182: How to "Call Out" a Student with Love and Care

Join us for a powerful episode with Bianca Tolentino, a ninth grade English teacher from Southern California, who shares her transformative approach to addressing student behavior through love-centered accountability. Bianca presents the "Speak Up at School" framework from Learning for Justice, offering practical strategies for handling everything from behavioral redirections to serious issues like hate speech and bigotry.

In this episode, Bianca breaks down the four essential components of effective callouts: interrupt, question, educate, and echo. She shares real classroom examples, including how she addresses aggressive behavior during activities and responds to harmful language while maintaining dignity for all students. Bianca emphasizes that callouts are acts of advocacy rooted in believing in students' potential to grow and learn.

Whether you're navigating challenging classroom dynamics or looking to create more inclusive learning environments, this episode provides actionable guidance on holding students accountable while treating them with the care and respect they deserve as developing learners. Perfect for new and experienced teachers alike.

HASHTAGS #CallOut #TeachingWithLove #Educator Empowerment #ClassroomManagement #TeacherAdocacy #NewTeacherSupport #NewTeachers #NewTeacherTalk #TeacherPodcast

Ep 181: Mastering the Art of Behavior Redirection Pt. 2: Combat Drifting Expectations and Maintain Momentum

This episode tackles one of the most common and frustrating challenges teachers face: maintaining the positive classroom culture you worked so hard to establish after the honeymoon period ends. The good news? This is completely normal, predictable, and fixable with the right strategies.

Dr. Anna introduces three foundational commitments that will anchor your approach: keeping expectations high, maintaining sharp routines, and continuing to develop relationships with students. These aren't just philosophical ideals; they're practical guideposts that inform every interaction you have with your students throughout the year.

One of the episode's most actionable strategies is the power of consistent narration using the simple phrase "In this class, we always..." Dr. Anna explains how this language reinforces that your expectations haven't changed; students' behavior has drifted, not your standards. This reframing reminds students of the established culture rather than introducing something new, making it easier for them to align their behavior with what they already know.

A critical insight addresses something many teachers don't want to hear: sometimes we are the source of negativity in our own classrooms. Dr. Anna tackles this with compassion and practicality, helping teachers recognize when their tone has shifted and providing concrete strategies to maintain positivity even when addressing behavioral issues. She introduces the "stop, reset, and narrate the positive" technique for handling challenging situations while preserving student dignity and maintaining accountability.

The discussion of countdown strategies will revolutionize how you use this common classroom management tool. Dr. Anna explains why rushing through "5-4-3-2-1" doesn't work and instead shows you how to narrate specific, observable actions at each number while giving students actual time to comply. This approach transforms countdowns from empty threats into effective structures that create urgency while keeping instructions positive and clear.

One of the most important relationship-preserving strategies Dr. Anna shares is about timing: have important conversations about behavior or chronic work issues privately, never during class time. She explains the damage that public correction causes (embarrassing students in front of peers, disrupting learning for others, and creating resentment) and shows you how to deliver brief, dignified redirects in the moment and then schedule private conversations when you can truly address underlying issues.

Perhaps the most profound concept in this episode is the practice of "letting go" after delivering consequences. Dr. Anna emphasizes that holding grudges against students damages relationships and prevents them from moving forward positively. Students need fresh starts, and teachers need to provide them, not because misbehavior doesn't matter, but precisely because accountability has already been administered.

This episode is essential listening for any teacher who's wondering why their once-smooth classroom is starting to feel chaotic, or for educators who want to proactively prevent the drift before it starts.

HASHTAGS #DriftingExpectations #PositiveClassroomCulture #NarrateThePositive #FreshStartsForStudents #ConsistentTeachingStrategies