New Teacher Talk

Ep 60: Decoding ”Sight Words”: Unveiling the True Meaning

In this latest episode of New Teacher Talk, join us as we dive deep into the concept of "sight words" with special guest Leana Malinowsky, an experienced educator and literacy specialist. In this enlightening discussion, Leana uncovers the true meaning and significance behind the term "sight words" that every new teacher should understand.

Explore the origins of sight words and why they play a crucial role in early literacy development. Leana will debunk common misconceptions and shed light on the purpose and benefits of incorporating sight words into your teaching practice.

Discover effective strategies for teaching sight words that go beyond mere memorization. Leana will share practical techniques to help students recognize and internalize these high-frequency words, empowering them to become more fluent readers.

Learn how sight words fit into the larger context of reading instruction and language acquisition. Leana will discuss their relationship with phonics, comprehension, and vocabulary development, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded approach to literacy.

 

Get ready to challenge your preconceptions and gain valuable insights that will enhance your understanding of sight words and their role in supporting early readers. Tune in to this episode of New Teacher Talk and join the conversation as we unravel the true meaning behind "sight words" and empower ourselves as educators to better serve our students' literacy needs.

Ep 59: Guiding Lights: Nurturing Mentor Relationships for New Teachers

Welcome to another episode of New Teacher Talk, where we explore topics relevant to new educators. In this episode, Dr. Alisa Ross joins us to shine a light on the importance of connecting with a mentor and the invaluable support they can provide during your teaching journey. Join Alisa as she shares the significance of mentorship, finding the right mentor, and the benefits of establishing a strong mentor-mentee relationship. Alisa brings practical tips and insights on how to make the most of your mentorship experience, including effective communication, setting goals, and seeking guidance. Whether you're a first-year teacher or transitioning to a new grade level, or are starting your own mentoring relationship with a new teacher; this episode will provide you with valuable advice and encouragement to foster a meaningful and impactful mentor relationship. Tune in and let us help you navigate the path to professional growth and success with the guidance of a trusted mentor.

Ep 58: Establishing Connections: Effective Communication with Families

In this episode of New Teacher Talk, experienced educator Amie Livengood, explores the crucial topic of communicating with families. As a new teacher, developing strong relationships with parents/guardians is essential for fostering a positive learning environment and supporting student success. Join Amie as she shares strategies, tips, and best practices for effective communication, aimed at building bridges and establishing collaborative partnerships. From conferences to regular updates, Amie discusses techniques for clear and empathetic communication, addressing challenges, and creating a strong foundation for family involvement. Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical advice that will help you navigate the often complex landscape of caregiver-teacher relationships with confidence and professionalism.

Ep 57: The 7 Point Checklist for Teacher Professionalism: Elevating the Teaching Profession

Welcome to our latest episode of New Teacher Talk where Christopher Pettit explores the essential aspects of teacher professionalism through a 7 point checklist. Join Christopher as he explores key attributes and behaviors that define professionalism in teaching. From maintaining ethical standards and practicing effective communication to fostering positive relationships with students, parents and colleagues, Christopher covers it all. He shares practical insights, and proven strategies to help educators elevate their professionalism and make a lasting impact in the lives of their students. Whether you're a new teacher looking to establish a strong professional foundation or a seasoned educator aiming to refine your skills, this episode provides valuable guidance and actionable tips to enhance your professionalism in and out of the classroom. Tune in and embark on a journey towards becoming an even more effective, respected, and influential teacher.

Ep 56: The Power of Positivity

Welcome to the latest episode of the New Teacher Talk podcast! In this inspiring episode, Dr. Matt Ohlson from The University of North Florida’s Taylor Leadership Institute, shares five effective strategies to amplify positive impact in your classroom. Join Matt as he presents practical tips and expert insights to create an environment where both teachers and students thrive. Get ready to harness the transformative power of positivity and watch your classroom become a hub of growth, learning, and boundless potential. Tune in and discover how to make a lasting difference in the lives of your students, one positive moment at a time.

Ep 55: Navigating Teacher Evaluation: Empowering New Teachers

In this episode, Adam Lindquist dives into the topic of teacher evaluation—a crucial aspect of every educator's career. Teacher evaluation is not just about assessing performance; it's an opportunity for growth and development. Our guest, Adam, shares his valuable insights and strategies to help new teachers navigate the process with confidence. He will address the potential challenges that new teachers may face during evaluations and provide practical tips for effectively demonstrating their skills and knowledge. Learn how to showcase your strengths and identify areas for improvement to become the best version of yourself as an educator. Whether you're a fresh graduate, a career switcher, or a seasoned professional looking for a refresher, Adam fills this episode with insights and actionable strategies to support your growth as a teacher.

Ep 54: The Art of Questioning and Discussion Techniques

Are you asking questions in your classroom where the dialogue is over before it begins and you are back in question asking mode right away? Are you asking too many recall questions? In this thoughtful episode of New Teacher Talk, Melissa Laun discusses the art of crafting critical thinking questions that spark lively and meaningful classroom discussions. Melissa shares strategies for developing questions that ignite curiosity, encourage diverse perspectives, and promote deeper understanding. Discover how to engage students in dynamic dialogues, enhance their critical thinking skills, and foster a classroom environment where every voice matters. Let this episode be your guide to harnessing the power of thought-provoking questions to inspire and educate. Tune in and join the conversation!

Ep 53: Maximizing Your Conference Experience: From Prep to Follow-Up

In this episode of New Teacher Talk, we're examining the art of getting the absolute most out of educational conferences. We'll walk you through the entire conference journey, from pre-conference preparation and networking strategies to active participation and post-conference follow-up. Whether you're a seasoned educator who has been missing face-to-face conferences or just beginning your teaching career, these essential elements will help you elevate your conference experience. Join Dr. Anna as she explores how to make the most of these invaluable opportunities for professional growth, fostering reflective practice, and building lasting connections in our industry. Tune in for actionable insights to supercharge your next conference adventure!

BONUS!

For prospective educators or education job searchers in the Greater Chicagoland Area, take advantage of American Association of Employment in Education’s (AAEE) FREE Education Career Expo which will be held on Monday, October 23, 2023 at the Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe St. Chicago, IL from 5:00-8:00 pm. AAEE is the publisher of The Job Search Handbook.

You can get more information by visiting www.aaee.org, clicking on "Conference and Career Expo", and then clicking on "Career Expo".

Ep 52: Students as the Curriculum

In this thought-provoking episode of New Teacher Talk, Dr. Jameelah R. Wright of William Patterson University of New Jersey speaks to the heart of culturally relevant education as we explore the concept of "Students as Curriculum." This episode is a must-listen for new teachers and anyone committed to creating a diverse and equitable classroom environment.

Jameelah will share her wisdom and experience in transforming the traditional curriculum into a dynamic, culturally rich tapestry that mirrors the students' own backgrounds and experiences. You'll gain valuable insights into:

The Power of Representation: Discover how incorporating diverse voices, perspectives, and cultures into your curriculum can foster a sense of belonging and empowerment among your students. 

Student-Centered Learning: Learn how to harness your students' unique backgrounds and experiences as a valuable educational resource to ensure their voices are heard and valued in the learning process.

Culturally Responsive Pedagogy: Dive into the principles of culturally responsive teaching and how they can be integrated into your curriculum. Understand the significance of culturally relevant assessments and feedback that reflect the diversity of your classroom.

Addressing Challenges: Explore common challenges that teachers may encounter when implementing this approach and gain strategies for overcoming them. Learn from Jameelah as she shares her insights on navigating potential roadblocks.

Join Jameelah for enlightening information that will empower you to see your students not just as learners, but as the living, breathing curriculum itself. By embracing diversity, fostering inclusivity, and co-creating a culturally relevant educational experience, you'll be on your way to becoming an educator who truly makes a difference in the lives of your students.

Ep 51: Teacher Tips to Motivate the Unmotivated

In this episode, Dr. Jacqueline Cleven dives into the world of teaching students with emotional and behavior disorders and provides valuable tips for beginning teachers. Join Jackie as she explores practical strategies to create a positive and inclusive classroom environment, build strong relationships with students, and effectively manage challenging behaviors. Jackie shares techniques for setting clear expectations, implementing consistent routines, and providing structured support to meet the unique needs of students. Whether you're a new teacher or transitioning into working with students with Emotional Behavior Disorders, this episode will equip you with essential tools to make a meaningful impact in their lives.