New Teacher Talk

Ep 168: Teaching Beyond the Bell Curve: Helene Alalouf on the Learner Variability Navigator

Join us for a transformative conversation with Helene Alalouf, an instructional coach with 32 years of classroom experience and professor at Touro University, as she introduces the Learner Variability Navigator (LVN)—a powerful, free open-source tool from Digital Promise that's changing how teachers approach differentiated instruction.

Helene shares her pivotal moment when a principal challenged her "teaching to the middle" approach, revealing a truth every educator needs to hear: there is no average learner. This realization launched her journey toward data-informed instruction that serves all students without requiring 30 individual lesson plans or relying on debunked learning styles theories.

Discover how the LVN provides over 100 research-backed strategies, each complete with descriptive overviews, classroom videos, implementation tips, EdTech examples, and related strategies. Learn how to create personal workspaces for instructional planning and explore examples from other educators focusing on SEL support, unit planning, and more.

Helene reveals how implementing just two of Marzano's nine instructional strategies with fidelity, summarizing and note-taking with graphic organizers, and cooperative learning with discussion protocols and project-based learning, helped her students excel on standards-based tests while developing confidence and transferable skills.

Explore the four comprehensive domains the LVN addresses: student background (including adverse experiences, language, socioeconomic status, and more), social-emotional learning (emotion, mindset, motivation, CASEL-5 competencies, stereotype threat), cognition (attention, memory, metacognition, cognitive flexibility), and content-specific factors for literacy or mathematics.

Get Helene's practical six-step process for implementing the LVN: registering for your free account, creating workspaces, selecting learner models, identifying factors affecting your class profile, choosing appropriate strategies, and accessing resources during planning. She emphasizes starting small—selecting just a few factors and strategies to implement reflectively rather than attempting everything at once.

Perfect for classroom teachers, instructional coaches, curriculum coordinators, and administrators seeking evidence-based approaches to differentiated instruction. This episode will transform how you think about lesson design and student variability.

Ready to move beyond the bell curve and meet every student where they are? This episode provides the framework and tools you need.

Learner Variability Navigator: https://lvp.digitalpromiseglobal.org/

#LearnerVariabilityNavigator #WholeChildEducation #EvidenceBasedTeaching #EdTechTools #NewTeacherTips #NewTeachers #NewTeacherTalk #TeacherPodcast 

Ep 167: Beyond the Notes: How Music Education Builds Life Skills

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Becky Weiler (5th and 6th grade band and general music at Central Intermediate School) and Martin Czernicki (7th and 8th grade band at Shepherd Middle School), both from Ottawa, Illinois, as they reveal the transformative benefits of music education that extend far beyond academic achievement.

While the cognitive advantages of music education are well-documented, Becky and Martin take us deeper into how band class develops essential life skills that students carry with them long after the final note is played.

Discover how music education cultivates perseverance and resilience as students progress from opening their instrument cases for the first time to performing complex pieces. Learn practical strategies for celebrating small victories and helping students recognize their own growth through recordings and reflection.

Explore how band naturally fosters collaboration and teamwork, with students helping each other solve problems and experienced musicians mentoring newcomers. Understand why music teachers say "anything less than 100% is not an A" and how this standard develops focus and attention to detail that serves students in all areas of life.

Hear how music class uniquely teaches organization and time management, as students navigate pull-out lessons, care for expensive equipment from a young age, and develop independence through problem-solving before seeking help.

Most importantly, discover how music creates a powerful sense of community through traditions, student involvement in decision-making, cross-grade mentorship, and teachers who show up for their students beyond the band room. From birthday celebrations to rubber duck collections, these small traditions create belonging and joy.

Perfect for music educators, school administrators, parents considering music programs, and anyone interested in holistic student development. Becky and Martin remind us that schools with strong music programs see better attendance and graduation rates because music gives students a reason to show up and be part of something meaningful.

#MusicEducationMatters #BandCommunity #TeachThroughMusic #StudentSuccessStories #Newteachertips #NewTeachers #NewTeacherTalk #TeacherPodcast

EP 166: Breaking Through the November Wall: Why New Teachers Feel Isolated and How to Overcome It

Hitting the November Wall? You're Not Alone.

Join Drs. Beth and Anna on New Teacher Talk as they tackle one of the most challenging periods for early career educators: the November wall. If you're feeling exhausted, isolated, or questioning whether you're cut out for teaching, this episode is for you.

Discover why that initial excitement from August has faded, why your support systems seem quieter, and most importantly, why this doesn't mean you're failing. Our hosts explain how self-doubt is actually a sign that you care deeply about your practice and your students.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why the November slump affects teachers across all grade levels (pre-K through 12th grade)
• Powerful reframing techniques to transform negative self-talk into growth mindset thinking
• Practical strategies to combat isolation by making brave connections with colleagues
• Grade-specific resources to support your teaching journey
• Why "I'm not behind; I'm responding to what my students need" might become your new favorite mantra

Whether you're struggling with classroom management, questioning your lesson plans, or simply feeling alone in your challenges, Drs. Beth and Anna offer compassionate, research-informed guidance to help you move forward. You're not failing. You’re becoming the teacher you've always wanted to be.

• PreK–5 teachers: Try a “feelings check-in” activity: https://www.theottoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Feelings-Check-In.pdf
• Middle school teachers: Check out the blog Cult of Pedagogy. https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/blog/ 
• High school teachers: Watch the TED Talk “Every Kid Needs a Champion” by Rita Pierson. https://www.ted.com/talks/rita_pierson_every_kid_needs_a_champion

#NovemberInTheClassroom #NovemberWall #TeacherIsolation #YouAreNotAlone #TeacherSelfDoubt #PreKTeachers #ElementaryTeachers #highschoolteachers #CultOfPedagogy #FeelingsCheckIn #newteachers #newteachertalk #TeacherPodcast

Ep 165: Ask for Help: A First-Year Teacher's Guide to Finding Support and Building Community

Feeling overwhelmed in your first year of teaching? You're not alone. In this essential episode of New Teacher Talk, fifth-grade teacher Samar Abousalem shares honest insights from her own challenging first year and reveals the game-changing strategy that transformed her second year: asking for help.

Samar gets real about the exhaustion, self-doubt, and impossible expectations that nearly broke her during year one—staying late at school, working through evenings at home, and struggling to balance lesson planning, meetings, parent emails, and district initiatives. But she discovered that teaching thrives on community, not isolation.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness
• How to approach experienced colleagues with intentional, specific questions
• Five critical areas where mentorship makes the biggest difference: curriculum planning, time management, classroom management, instructional strategies, and assessment
• Targeted questions you can ask right away to save time and reduce frustration
• Why observing experienced teachers in action accelerates your growth

Whether you're in your first year or supporting new teachers, this episode provides a practical roadmap for building the collaborative relationships that make teaching sustainable and rewarding. Remember: the experienced teachers around you have been where you are, and they want to help.

Perfect for: First-year teachers, student teachers, mentors, instructional coaches, and education leaders

#FirstYearTeaching #ClassroomConfidence #MentorMoments #TeachingWithCommunity #EducatorGrowthJourney #NewTeacherTips #NewTeachers #NewTeacherTalk #TeacherPodcast

Ep 164: Unlocking Student Potential: Dr. Vicki Phelps on Talent Development in Education

Join us for an illuminating conversation with Dr. Vicki Phelps, Executive Director and Head of School at Quest Academy in Palatine, Illinois, as she explores the multifaceted approach to talent development in educational settings.

Drawing on Gagné's Differentiating Model of Giftedness and Talent, Dr. Phelps takes educators beyond traditional classroom strategies to examine the powerful catalysts that transform student potential into demonstrated talent. Whether your students show promise in intellectual pursuits, creative endeavors, social domains, or athletics, this episode provides a comprehensive framework for nurturing their gifts.

Dr. Phelps breaks down three essential components of talent development: environmental factors (from school facilities to family partnerships), intra-personal dynamics (including motivation, interests, and neurodivergent learning styles), and the critical developmental process that provides access to meaningful learning opportunities.

You'll discover practical strategies including how to effectively use interest inventories, connect curriculum to student aspirations, embrace productive struggle, and diversify instructional methods beyond traditional approaches. Learn why lesson design directly impacts how students demonstrate understanding and develop essential skills like perseverance and problem-solving.

Perfect for teachers, administrators, gifted education specialists, and anyone passionate about helping students reach their full potential. Dr. Phelps reminds us that educators are key catalysts with the power to ignite and nurture the talents waiting to emerge in every classroom.

#TalentDevelopment #StudentPotential #TeachingGiftedTalented #NewTeacheTtips #NewTeachers #NewTeacherTalk #TeacherPodcast #VickiPhelps

Ep 163: How to Find a Teaching Mentor: Build Your Support Network & Avoid Burnout with the FAST Test Method

Feeling isolated as a new teacher? Middle grades educator Jessica Smith shares her proven three-step system for finding the right mentors and building a support network that actually works. In this episode, you'll discover the "mentorship map" framework that identifies four essential mentor types every teacher needs, learn the FAST test for vetting potential mentors, and get a word-for-word outreach script to confidently approach mentors. Jessica breaks down her 30-60-90-day plan for maintaining these relationships without burning out, explains how to build your inner circle, practice circle, and recharge circle, and provides specific questions to ask mentors for maximum impact. Whether you're a first-year teacher or simply looking to strengthen your professional support system, this episode gives you actionable strategies to find the guidance you need, make better classroom decisions, and build a sustainable teaching career. Stop going it alone. Learn how to identify and connect with mentors who will transform your teaching journey.

#MentorMap #TeacherMentorNetwork #SupportNotSolo #Newteachertips #newteachers #newteachertalk #TeacherPodcast

Ep 162: What the University Didn’t Teach You: Let’s Get R.E.A.L.

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Benita Gordon, founder of Global Education Concierge and veteran educator with over 26 years of classroom experience. In this episode, Benita reveals what university programs often miss and introduces her transformative R-E-A-L framework for new teacher success.

Discover how to build meaningful Relationships that go beyond surface-level interactions using creative tools like Canva "About Me" profiles. Learn practical strategies for Energy management that prevent burnout, including boundary-setting techniques and mindful body check-ins throughout your school day. Explore how to create Authentic classroom culture through daily rituals, co-created norms, and intentional structure that replaces traditional "classroom management" thinking.

Finally, embrace Lifelong learning with monthly professional development challenges and reflective practices that help you continuously grow and adapt. Whether you're in your first year or supporting new teachers, this episode offers actionable insights to help educators not just survive, but truly thrive in their profession.

Benita's wealth of experience as a teacher, dean, parent-engagement coach, and department chair shines through as she shares practical tools and mindset shifts that make all the difference in educational success.

#REALTeachingFramework #TeacherTruths #RelationshipsBeforeContent #EnergyNotBurnout #EducationConcierge #Newteachertips #newteachers #newteachertalk #TeacherPodcast

Ep 159: Using AI to Turn Professional Development into Classroom Gold

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Josh Amstutz, a high school math teacher from Cincinnati, Ohio, who discovered how to break out of survival mode and maximize professional growth opportunities. After participating in the transformative Transatlantic Outreach Program in Germany, Josh faced a common challenge: how to organize and actually use all the valuable information he'd collected.

His solution? Creating a personalized AI chatbot using Gemini to store, process, and generate classroom materials from his fellowship experiences. Josh shares his four-step approach to effective AI prompting and demonstrates how this technology has saved him hours weekly while helping him implement innovative energy education concepts and wind turbine statistics in his math classes.

Beyond his German fellowship, Josh reveals how he's expanded this approach to create multiple specialized chatbots for mindfulness activities, conference presentations, and more. He'll share a treasure trove of 40-50 fellowship opportunities for teachers and provide practical resources on AI prompting and chatbot creation.

Whether you're struggling to move beyond day-to-day survival or looking to become an innovative leader in your district, this episode offers concrete strategies for organizing your professional growth and maximizing learning opportunities through smart technology.

Link to Josh Amstuz’s Padlet

Hashtags: #NewTeacherTalk #TeacherLeadership #AIinEducation #ProfessionalDevelopment #TeacherGrowth #EdTech #MathEducation #TeacherFellowships #EducationInnovation #TeacherResources #ClassroomTechnology #TeacherPodcast #EducationPodcast

Ep 161: Mistake-Friendly Classrooms Build a Culture Where Errors Fuel Growth

2 of 3 in Series

Ready to revolutionize how you handle student mistakes? Join us as education professor Ken King from Aurora University shares game-changing strategies for transforming those "wrong" answers into powerful learning moments! This is another episode in Dr. King’s series on brain-based teaching.

Discover why students get frustrated with mistakes and learn the fascinating brain science behind productive struggle. Ken introduces practical tools like "my favorite no" and talk moves that will help you create a classroom culture where mistakes become stepping stones to deeper understanding.

Whether you're a first-year teacher or a seasoned educator, you'll walk away with concrete strategies to normalize mistakes, promote resilience, and build the growth mindset your students need to thrive.

Check out New Teacher Talk Episode #69. Dr. King’s alludes to this episode where he discusses the concept of Talk Moves.

#NewTeacherTalk #GrowthMindset #ProductiveStruggle #ClassroomCulture #TeacherTips #StudentLearning #MistakeBasedLearning #EducationPodcast #TeachingStrategies #NewTeachers #ProfessionalDevelopment #TeacherLife #LearningScience

Ep 160: The Power of the Pause: Wait Time Part 1

Transform your classroom discussions with the power of pause! Join Dr. Monica Boehle, Associate Director of Curriculum and former social studies teacher, as she explores "wait time",  the simple yet revolutionary 3-5 second pause that can dramatically improve student engagement and learning outcomes.

Discover why this research-backed practice, proven effective since the 1970s, is often overlooked and how it can ensure every student's voice is heard. Monica breaks down the barriers that prevent teachers from implementing wait time, from time distortion to fear of silence, and provides practical strategies you can use immediately in your classroom.

Whether you're looking to engage introverted students, support learners with different processing speeds, or simply create more inclusive classroom discussions, this episode offers concrete tools and techniques that make a real difference. Perfect for educators at all levels who want to move beyond rapid-fire questioning to meaningful, thoughtful dialogue.

#WaitTime #TeachingStrategies #EducationPodcast #ClassroomManagement #StudentEngagement #InclusiveEducation #TeacherTips #EducationalResearch #QuestioningTechniques #TeacherProfessionalDevelopment