The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast
A podcast for reflective practice for teachers of English around the world. It provides a space for educators to think aloud about their teaching experiences and challenges. The show aims to foster professional growth and community among English language teachers.
Episodes
E85 - Summer Reading List 2026: Books That Challenge How We See the World, Teaching, and Ourselves
On our second ✨annual✨ summer reading list, we explore a curated selection of memoirs, nonfiction, and fiction that have shaped how we think about identity, belonging, error, and what it means to be human. This year's picks lean heavily into nonfiction and memoir, reflecting a shared desire to understand the systems, stories, and inner critics that shape us and our students. Books discussed in
E84 - AI in ELT: Building Critical AI Literacy and Leading with Pedagogy (with Rachel Toncelli & Ilka Kostka)
This episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, hosted by Anna and Shé, features Northeastern University educators Rachel Toncelli and Ilka Kostka, co-authors of Artificial Intelligence, Real Teaching: A Guide to AI in ELT, discussing practical and pedagogical approaches to AI in English language teaching. They address common misconceptions, including fears that AI will replace language learning,
E83 – Task-Based Language Teaching: Moving from Tasks to Transformation (with Dr. Linh Phung)
In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, Shé and Anna are joined by Dr. Linh Phung, decorated language educator, researcher, innovator, and the creator of Eduling app, to explore the principles and practical applications of Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT), an approach that shifts the focus from isolated language practice to meaningful, goal-oriented communication. Together, they unp
E82 – Grammar That Sticks: The NUFU Framework (with Audrea Gold)
In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, Shé and Anna are joined by ESL teacher and founder of The ESL Grammar Gallery Audrea Gold to explore a refreshingly practical and research-informed approach to grammar instruction: the NUFU framework—Noticing, Understanding, Forming, and Using.Moving beyond traditional rule-based instruction, Audrea reframes grammar as a meaning-making tool rathe
5 for 5 - E66 Relaunch - “Being a native speaker isn’t a qualification" (with Meri Maroutian)
As we celebrate five years of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, we’re revisiting some of the conversations that have most shaped our thinking—and, we hope, yours. These episodes reflect the heart of our work: thoughtful dialogue, reflective practice, professional growth, and courageous conversations about what it truly means to teach English in a complex, evolving world.Whether you’re listening for
5 for 5 - E56 Relaunch - Building a Sustainable PD Practice (with Yulia Kharchenko)
As we celebrate five years of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, we’re revisiting some of the conversations that have most shaped our thinking—and, we hope, yours. These episodes reflect the heart of our work: thoughtful dialogue, reflective practice, professional growth, and courageous conversations about what it truly means to teach English in a complex, evolving world.Whether you’re listening for
5 for 5 - E44 Relaunch - Global citizenship: Opening the view to the possible (with Brantley Turner)
As we celebrate five years of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, we’re revisiting some of the conversations that have most shaped our thinking—and, we hope, yours. These episodes reflect the heart of our work: thoughtful dialogue, reflective practice, professional growth, and courageous conversations about what it truly means to teach English in a complex, evolving world.Whether you’re listening for
5 for 5 - E34 Relaunch - Trauma-sensitive teaching (with Sherry MacKay)
As we celebrate five years of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, we’re revisiting some of the conversations that have most shaped our thinking—and, we hope, yours. These episodes reflect the heart of our work: thoughtful dialogue, reflective practice, professional growth, and courageous conversations about what it truly means to teach English in a complex, evolving world.Whether you’re listening for
5 for 5 - E14 Relaunch - Representation: More than just a stock photo
As we celebrate five years of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, we’re revisiting some of the conversations that have most shaped our thinking—and, we hope, yours. These episodes reflect the heart of our work: thoughtful dialogue, reflective practice, professional growth, and courageous conversations about what it truly means to teach English in a complex, evolving world.Whether you’re listening for
E81 – The Monolingual Bias: Advocacy for English Language Teachers (with Lillian Ardell)
In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, co-hosts Shé and Anna sit down with Dr. Lillian Ardell—founder of Language Matters—for a timely and deeply reflective conversation about monolingual bias and how it shapes English language education around the world. Together, they unpack how the assumption that English should dominate learning environments shows up in policies, classroom practic
E80 – Algorithms, Echo Chambers, and Critical Thinking in the English Language Classroom (with Andrea Collados)
In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, Shé and Anna are joined by global educator and ESL teacher Andrea Collados for a timely and deeply reflective conversation about algorithms, echo chambers, and the urgent role of critical thinking in English language teaching. Together, they unpack how algorithm-driven media environments shape what our students see, believe, and share—and why the
E79 — 2026 Friends of the Podcast: Back to Basics
On this episode, co-hosts Shé and Anna take us back to the roots of the podcast: reflection. The episode integrates the voices of teachers around the world, who reflect on their teaching goals for the new year—from addressing student motivation and needs assessments to integrating AI tools and promoting trauma-informed teaching. Each contributor offers a unique insight, making this episode a treas
E78 — Training the Trainers: Building the Next Generation of Teacher Educators (with Tabitha Kidwell)
In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, Shé and Anna interview Tabitha Kidwell, an esteemed teacher educator, about her research on the preparation and professional development of teacher trainers. The conversation explores various models and approaches for teacher training, the need for formalized support, and the essential skill sets for effective teacher training. The episode also e
E77 - Ellii Dilemmas: Sparking Real Dialogue in the ELT Classroom (with Ben Buckwold & Tara Benwell)
In this lively episode, Shé sits down with Ben Buckwold (Founder & CEO of Ellii) and Tara Benwell (VP of Publishing at Ellii) to explore the story behind one of Ellii’s most creative classroom tools: Ellii Dilemmas. The discussion centers on Ellii’s newly introduced interactive classroom tool designed to foster critical thinking and discussion among students. Listeners get insights into the de
E76 - Unpacking the Lexical Approach (with Erin O’Byrne)
In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, Shé and Anna discuss the importance of the Lexical Approach in teaching English, featuring insights from guest Erin O’Byrne. They explore how focusing on lexical chunks—common phrases and expressions—rather than isolated words or strict grammar rules can enhance both learner autonomy and teacher effectiveness. Erin shares her journey of adopting
E75 - Generative AI in Education: A Teacher’s Guide (with Sara Davila)
In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, we sit down with Sara Davila, a self-described “learning alchemist,” to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping education. With her trademark mix of research, theory, and classroom pragmatism, Sara takes us on a journey from the evolution of AI and deep learning to the practical ways teachers can use large language models (LLMs) today.To
E74 - Foundations of Reflective Practice with the DIESOL Podcast, Part 2
In Part 2 of our collaboration with the DIESOL Podcast, we reunite with Brent and Ixchell, this time with our signature Teacher Think-Aloud style, with more narrative and reflective interruptions as we delve into actionable strategies. In this episode, we explore the practical side of reflective pedagogy in English language teaching:How to implement tech tools to enhance reflectionThe balance betw
E73 - Foundations of Reflective Practice with the DIESOL Podcast, Part 1
In this special crossover episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, Shé and Anna team up with Brent Warner and Ixchell Reyes of the DIESOL Podcast (Developing Innovation in English as a Second or Other Language) for a lively conversation about reflective practice—the foundation of our podcast and a shared passion between both shows.Instead of our usual format, you’ll hear the DIESOL style: less
E72 – Greening ELT: Addressing Sustainability in the English Language Classroom (with Harry Waters)
In this episode, co-hosts Shé and Anna sit down with climate activist, teacher trainer, and founder of Renewable English, Harry Waters, for an energizing conversation on integrating environmental sustainability into English language teaching. 🌱🌍Harry shares how his early activism and global teaching experiences led him to reimagine ELT as a platform for climate awareness, youth empowerment, and pr
E71 - From English Language Teaching to Instructional Design (with Sharon Tjaden-Burkes)
In this episode, co-hosts Shé and Anna sit down with Sharon Tjaden-Burkes, Senior Instructional Designer and founder of the IDEA Networking Sessions, to explore what it really takes to move from the English language classroom into instructional design. 🎙️ Sharon shares a candid look at what sparked her transition, the emotional toll of adjunct life, the joy of upskilling through tinkering and tech
E70 - Summer Reading Special: Stories That Cross Borders
In this episode, co-hosts Shé and Anna share their 2025 summer reading list—13 unforgettable books that move across cultures, borders, and languages. Whether you're traveling, lesson planning, or just in need of some inspiration, this curated collection will offer powerful perspectives on migration, memory, identity, and resistance. 🧳💬From a nine-year-old’s journey across Central America in Solito
E69 - Digital Hallways: Creating connection in the online classroom (with Bob Nguyen)
In this episode of the Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, hosts Anna and Shé discuss the importance of building rapport in the classroom, revisiting techniques adapted for online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guest Bob Nguyen shares his journey of integrating technology into teaching, emphasizing authentic student connection through tools like Padlet, Mentimeter, and Gather Town. Bob also highl
E68 - Backpacks, Bandwidth & Burnout: The Realities of Being an ELT Digital Nomad (with Emily Bryson)
In this episode of The Teacher Think-Aloud Podcast, we pull back the curtain on the increasingly popular—yet often misunderstood—lifestyle of digital nomadism in English Language Teaching (ELT). Our guest, teacher trainer, materials writer, and visual thinking advocate Emily Bryson, joins us from the road to talk about the real logistics, trade-offs, and intentional choices that come with taking y
E67 - TESOL 2025 Special
TESOL 2025 was a whirlwind! We interviewed educators from around the globe, discussing AI, advocacy, community, and more. Hear their insights and feel the energy of the convention. Watch or listen to our video episode now! 📸 Photo & video credit: joevoigts.com 🎧 Related Resources:Episode 30 – Drama in the classroom: beyond the role play (with Richard Silberg)Episode 66 – “Being a native speake
E66 - "Being a native speaker isn’t a qualification" (with Meri Maroutian)
In this episode, we dive into the pervasive issue of native speakerism in English Language Teaching with educator and advocate Meri Maroutian.Meri shares her journey into the profession, the biases she’s faced, and the reflective, practical tools she now offers to help others tackle this issue—like her three-part masterclass designed to dismantle accent bias and outdated teaching models.We also he
E65 - "The world comes to TESOL!" (with Dr. Debra Suarez)
E 65 - “The world comes to TESOL!” (with Dr. Debra Suarez)In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Debra Suarez, President of TESOL International Association, to explore what’s in store for TESOL 2025 and reflect on the evolving landscape of English language teaching.From AI in ELT and translanguaging to teacher advocacy and building global communities of practice, this conversation is packed with in
E64 - Soft Skills, Strong Impact: Supporting Multilingual Healthcare Professionals (with Shweta Ramkumar)
E 64 - Soft Skills, Strong Impact: Supporting Multilingual Healthcare Professionals (with Shweta Rumkumar)Happy 2025! In this episode, we dive into the essential intersection of soft skills and intercultural communicative competence (ICC) in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) contexts. Join Shé and Anna as they chat with special guest Shweta Ramkumar, an educator specializing in coaching multilin
E63 - 2024 End-of-Year Reflection
Shey and Anna wrap up 2024 by looking back on personal milestones, professional breakthroughs, and podcast highlights—from raising multilingual children to using AI in the classroom. Join them for a candid chat about motherhood, teacher training abroad, balancing multiple roles, and where the podcast is headed next year. Get ready for reflections, lots of laughs, and a peek at future plans for 202
E62 - Raising Multilingual Children: From Myths to Reality (with Anna Burt)
Raising multilingual children takes some planning and intention. Join us as ESOL teacher and multilingual mama Anna (Anya) Burt walks us through what it takes to raise multilingual children, the myths surrounding bilingualism, and practical approaches to introducing languages to your children. 👶🏻🍼 Whether you have or plan to have your own children, or simply whether you teach a language or love le
E61 – Travel with Purpose: Teaching and volunteering around the world (with Aileen Hale)
In this episode, Anna and Shey chat with Aileen Hale, international teacher trainer, consultant, and creator of Travel with Purpose, a podcast about language and culture acquisition through service learning. Join us to reflect on what it means to teach in an international context and how to do so in a meaningful and respectful way.
💡 Reflect with us:
Where have you taught around the world, or w
E60 - From teaching to materials writing: a chat with Ellii (with Ben Buckwold & Tara Benwell)
Join us for a fascinating conversation with Ben Buckwold, CEO and Founder of Ellii (formerly ESL Library) and Tara Benwell, Ellii’s VP of Publishing, as we dive into the world of materials writing! 📚
✨ Whether you're a teacher curious about transitioning into content creation or looking to learn more about how Ellii got its start, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.
Tune in
E59 - Silence, SEL, and English language teaching (with Luis Javier Pentón Herrera)
In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked role of silence in the language classroom. Discover how integrating moments of quiet can enhance learning, foster self-reflection, and support social-emotional learning (SEL). Luis Javier Pentón Herrera shares his insights and practical tips for teachers looking to bring quiet into their classrooms.
Tune in now and learn how silence can be a powerfu
E58 - “Turning problems into opportunities” in community ESL programs (with Eric Trader)
On this episode, guest Eric Trader shares his experience as the director of a community-based learning center serving a multilingual population with diverse needs. Join us and be inspired by Eric’s optimism, creative problem-solving, and his lovely singing voice!
📚Resources:
Podcast episode: Jennifer Jenkins on Global Englishes (TEFLology, 2018)
Article: Teaching pronunciation for English as a Li
E57 - English for Networking: more than a transaction (with Angela Tribus Ramos)
On this episode, guest Angela Tribus Ramos shares her perspective on teaching networking, considering all of the cultural nuances involved in this challenging skill. From reducing anxiety around small talk to Hofstede’s cultural dimensions and, yes, our passion for birding 🦆🦅🦉you’re sure to come away with oodles of practical takeaways.
📚 Resources:
Name Coach
Hofstede’s Dimensions of Culture
E56 - Building a sustainable PD practice (with Yulia Kharchenko)
How do you sustain your professional development as an educator? In this episode, guest Yulia Kharchenko shares a framework she and her colleagues have developed to ensure future teachers are prepared for future challenges in the teaching profession… 🎧
📚Resources:
Article: Reflective Practice for Language Teachers (Farrell, 2018)
Article: Reflective practice framework for TESOL teachers: one
E55 - “My pedagogy is my protest”: LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the language classroom (with Kim Carroll)
How do you create a welcoming atmosphere for all students? 🌈 In this episode, guest Kim Carroll shares insights on how to make our classrooms safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals worldwide.
📚Resources:
Webinar: Making Space for All: LGBTQ+ Awareness and Engagement in the English Language Classroom (RELO Andes)
Article: Exploring LGBT Lives and Issues in Adult ESOL (British Council)
Article:
E54 - 2024 TESOL Special: Maximizing Your Conference Experience (VIDEO EPISODE 🎥)
We’re just recovering from our week in Tampa, Florida, for the TESOL 2024 Convention. And wow, what a week! 🌴 In this episode, we reflect on our experience, share snippets from other conference attendees, and take the pulse of the field of TESOL. Watch on YouTube or Spotify for the full effect! 🎥
⭐ Check out our Reflective Practice Starter Kit!
🤓 Read our blog post: Maximizing Your Conference Exp
E53 - Teachers as Advocates: You can do it too! (with Rosemary Colón)
Have you engaged in advocacy efforts as a language teacher? ✊ In this episode, guest Rosemary Colón talks about her experience at the 2023 TESOL Advocacy & Policy Summit and shares entry points for teachers to find their footing as advocates for English language learners.
#advocacy #multilinguallearners #teacheradvocates#ELT #TeachEnglish #ESL #EFL #TESOL #Teaching #Education #LoveTeaching #
E52 - The Power of Podcasting for Language Learning (with Anna Ayrapetyan)
In this episode, guest Anna Ayrapetyan, a university professor in Armenia, walks us through her innovative approach to get students practicing speaking outside of the classroom: podcasts! 💡Learn about her process, receive recommendations for implementing this project in your context, and hear a snippet from a few of her students!
#ProjectBasedLearning #PBL #Podcasting #PodcastingForLanguageLearni
E51 - Friends of the Podcast 2024: AI in ELT (VIDEO EPISODE 🎥)
Happy New Year, everyone! 🌟 We’re kicking off 2024 with a special video episode: Friends of the Podcast - AI in ELT! Featuring voices from new and old friends. 🥰Listen and join the conversation about #AI and English language teaching, from why teachers are wary of it to creative ideas on how to use it for teaching. 💡 Watch on YouTube or Spotify for the full effect. 📽️
🎧 On this episode: E48 - Bri
E50 - State of the Podcast: a reflection, with 2023 bloopers!
Episode 50…can you believe it?! 🌟 We’ve nested some fun bloopers into this reflective episode, in which we think back on our personal developments and podcast highlights from 2023. Listen to the very end (after the theme music) for one last little surprise. 😜 Wishing happy holidays to all! ☃️
🎧 On this episode:
E46 - Challenging inequities toward multilingual teachers (with Carine Saucillo and
E49 - YouTube for English language teaching (with Amy Joy Rovirosa)
In this episode, guest Amy Joy Rovirosa, the creator of @your_fav_english_teacher, tells us about what it takes to get your English language teaching YouTube channel off the ground and how learners can leverage YouTube for greater language gains. Complete with excerpts from her fantastic videos! Watch the episode video on our YouTube channel or Spotify for the full effect. 📽️
✔️ Follow Your Favori
E48 - Bring your teaching alive with ChatGPT (with Jeff McIlvenna)
In this episode, guest Jeff McIlvenna talks through his approach to using ChatGPT in the English language classroom, from amplifying teacher creativity to personalizing student learning. This is the first of many more episodes we hope to bring to you on this ever-evolving topic.
🎓 For further exploration:
#ElliiCon2023 Playlist
Chat GPT’s Bias Against Non-Native Speakers
Friends of the Podcast
E47 - CLIL and team teaching: sweetening the pill (with Ekaterina Pipia)
Don’t forget to take your vitamins! In this episode, Shey and Anna speak with friend of the podcast Ekaterina Pipia about her experience facilitating an exciting project with @PH_Int at @ibsu1995 in Tbilisi, Georgia, in which civics, technology, and English language came together into a harmonious, healthy concoction… 💊
🎧 Further listening: Episode 2 - Shut up and let them talk!
📚Further reading
E46 - Challenging inequities toward multilingual teachers (with Alex Tang & Carine Saucillo)
We’re back! Just a light little topic for our first episode after our summer break… 😜Don your social justice caps, kick into your critical lens, and prepare to reflect as Shey and Anna explore the challenges and strengths of multilingual teachers, commonly referred to as non-native English-speaking teachers (NNESTs), with research collaborators and super-ELT-stars Alex Tang and Carine Saucillo. 🌟L
E45 - PD in a post-pandemic world
In this episode, Anna and Shey look at how the landscape for professional development evolved over the course of the pandemic and learn how international colleagues continue to reap the benefits of increased hybridity and other “forced habits” post-pandemic… Listen now!
A huge thank you to our contributors for this episode! We love reflecting with our listeners!
Reflect on your PD with our tool:
E44 - Global citizenship: Opening the view to the possible (with Brantley Turner)
“Global citizenship can happen in our back yard.” 🏠🌏 In this episode, Shey and Anna plunge head-first with guest Brantley Turner—East Asia Education Director for Dwight Schools—into what it means to cultivate a global mindset, how to teach it in a culturally responsive way, how to navigate the discomforts of a globally-minded worldview, and much more… Listen now!
Questions for reflection:
What
E43 - Culture through stories (with Dustin Steichmann from Sandman Stories Presents)
Not much represents a culture better than its stories. In this episode, Anna and Shey chat with Dustin from Sandman Stories Presents about storytelling, teaching, and cross-cultural understanding. Listen and travel the world through folklore! 🕯️
🎧 Listen to Sandman Stories Presents on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
🌍 On this episode: Episode 133: Ghana–Morning Sunris
E42 - Stop hovering! (with Miriam Plotinsky)
E42 - Stop hovering! (with Miriam Plotinsky)
Are you a helicopter teacher or a hover-free teacher? In this episode, Shey and Anna chat with author Miriam Plotinsky about her book Teach more, hover less: How to Stop Micromanaging Your Secondary Classroom, and explore ways to implement an approach to teaching that is truly student-centered.
Further listening:
Explore strategies for augmenting stu
E41- Media Literacy 102: Disinformation, propaganda, and conspiracies... oh my!
E 41- Media Literacy 102: Disinformation, propaganda, and conspiracies... oh my!
Media literacy is an essential skill in our world today and one that needs to be addressed in the English language classroom! 🎯 In this episode, Anna and Shey discuss some of the greatest challenges our students face in the digital era, including discerning the reliability of a source, noticing propaganda techniques,
E40 - TESOL Special 2023! (VIDEO EPISODE 🎥)
We had such a wonderful time at TESOL 2023 in Portland and enjoyed meeting new and old friends there. Like last year, we wanted to bring a small piece of the conference to you. In this video episode, Anna and Shey share their reactions to the 2023 TESOL Convention, integrating ideas from a variety of other conference attendees and friends they encountered at the conference. Listen and (re)live the
E39 - Media Literacy 101: Bias and perspective-taking
Media literacy is an essential skill in our world today. 📰 But how can we tackle it in the English language classroom? 🎯In this episode, Anna and Shey chat about strategies they’ve used to develop learners’ critical thinking about the media—from an exploration of self-identity and personal lenses to perspective-taking exercises, role play, and analyzing biased language in headlines and on TikTok.
E38 - Incorporating music in ELT (with Heather and Ece of English as a Singing Language)
E 38 - Incorporating music in ELT (with Heather and Ece of English as a Singing Language)
In this episode, Anna and Shey speak with Heather McNaught and Ece Ulus (of the podcast English as a Singing Language) about why teachers should consider incorporating music into language instruction. 🤗
Further listening:
English as a Singing Language
References & resources
Sing Out Loud Word Play, Americ
E37 - Friends of the Podcast! (VIDEO EPISODE 🎥)
We’re back!!! In this special episode, Anna and Shey discuss and react to contributions from some of our Friends of the Podcast. Listen and join the conversation about teaching contexts around the world. 🌎🌍🌏 Many thanks to all of our friends who contributed to this episode. 🙏
On the episode:
English as a Singing Language: https://singinglanguages.wixsite.com/home
Sandman Stories Presents: https
Blooper Reel 2022
We are still (blooper) reeling from 2022... See what we did there?! 😆 Have a laugh at our expense as you ring in the New Year with our 2022 Bloopies! (Warning: This episode contains explicit language.)
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🙏 Donate or purchase resources or merchandise
E36 - Equity in assessment: A human approach (with Albert Shaheen)
We’ve talking about assessment design and rubrics…but what about equity in assessment? In this episode, Anna and Shey speak with Albert Shaheen about his dive into equitable assessment and grading practices. 🤗
Further listening:
Listen to the first two episodes in this mini-series:
E31 – The beauty of assessment
E33 - Long live the rubric!
References & resources
Blum, Sarah (2020). “Ungrad
E35 - Be brave enough to say ‘I don’t know’ (with Lina Jurkunas)
The pandemic was a challenging time not just for teachers, but also for administrators. In this episode, Shey and Anna speak with Lina Jurkunas about the challenges she faced in taking on her new role as IEP director during the pandemic and the lessons she’s learned about leadership along the way. 🦸🏼♀️
💜 Friends of the Podcast! 💜 We’re working on a new, exciting episode format where we integrate
E34 - Trauma-sensitive teaching (with Sherry MacKay)
It’s not always easy to recognize #trauma in our students, since everyone responds to trauma differently. In this episode, Shey and Anna speak with guest Sherry MacKay about how to define trauma, how it might appear in our classrooms, and how teachers can be sensitive to students experiencing trauma.
💜 Friends of the Podcast! 💜We’re working on a new, exciting episode format where we integrate the
E33 - "Long live the rubric!"
How do you feel about #rubrics? 🧐 In this episode, Shey and Anna dive into why teachers should be using rubrics for objective assessment, how different kinds of rubrics serve distinct purposes, and ideas for making rubric design and implementation feel less daunting.
💜 Friends of the Podcast! 💜We’re working on a new, exciting episode format where we integrate the voices of our listeners from aroun
E32 - “We’re nearly in 2023” - communicative approaches to grammar teaching (with Amir Houssein Khoobru)
Teaching grammar: You either love it or you hate it... 😍😡 In this episode, Shey and Anna speak with friend of the podcast, Amir Houssein Khoobru, about his relationship to grammar and geek out about communicative approaches to grammar teaching.
💜 Friends of the Podcast! 💜We’re working on a new, exciting episode format where we integrate the voices of our listeners from around the world! 🎙️Would yo
E31 - "The beauty of assessment"
Perhaps the title of this episode doesn’t fully correspond to your feelings about assessment; regardless, classroom assessment is something we need to face up to! 💯 In this episode, Shey and Anna unpack their relationship to assessment. Listen and learn what teachers are saying about summative and formative assessment and to review some of the key concepts of assessment.
💜 Friends of the Pod
E30 - Drama in the classroom: beyond the role play (with Richard Silberg)
E30 - Drama in the classroom: beyond the role play (with Richard Silberg)
We’ve all used role plays in class, but have we truly explored what drama can unlock for language learners? 🔓 In this episode, Shey and Anna chat with Richard Silberg about how drama has become a central part of his practice as an English language teacher and how teachers can get started using simple drama techniques.
🍂 Fall
E29 - Top 10 TED Talks for Teaching
What are your favorite TED Talks for teaching? In in this episode, Shey and Anna go through their list of top 10 TED Talks for teaching. Listen for ideas on which talks to use and how to use them.
Intercultural Competence and Identity
The Danger of a Single Story, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (19 mins)
Don’t ask where I’m from, ask where I’m a local, Taiye Selasi (16 mins)
How l
E28 - A holistic approach to PD (with Ramin Yazdanpanah)
Professional development can feel overwhelming! In this episode, Shey and Anna interview Ramin Yazdanpanah on his approach to PD, teacher well-being, and life. Find your center with us in this episode. 🌼
Recommended Reading:
Dweck, C. S. (2022). Mindset: New Psychology Of Success. Ballantine Books.
James, C. (2021). Atomic Habits. PENGUIN UK.
Mercer, S., & Gregersen, T. (2020). Teacher W
E27 - Why we ♥ project-based learning
We're back from our summer break! Gear up for the new school year and consider weaving project-based learning into your curriculum. In this episode, Anna and Shey discuss why they love project-based learning and provide some examples of projects they and other listeners have implemented in the past. 💕
Download Shey's E-Newspaper Curriculum ⭐ ready to be used in your classroom!
References &am
E26 - What can we learn from teachers?
Teachers are amazing, carrying with them a plethora of transferable skills that others can learn from or that they can apply to different facets of life and work. In this episode, Shey and Anna share some of the takeaways their non-educator listeners have taken from the show and celebrate the incredible skills educators bring to the table.
Questions for reflection:
What can people learn from edu
E25 - Handling conflict in the classroom (with guest Joe Voigts!)
At some point, we've all handled conflict in our classroom---among students, between a student and the teacher... In this episode, Shey and Anna speak with guest Joe Voigts about his approach to conflict in the classroom, from handling disagreements among his Israeli and Palestinian students in Jerusalem to butting heads with his high-schoolers on the South Side of Chicago.
Listener quote:&
E24 - Like. Share. Post.
In a world overrun by social media, why not use them to make learning engaging? In this episode, Shey and Anna discuss the pros and cons of social media in the classroom and present an objectives-based framework and examples for unleashing their potential as tools for learning. Check out our episode-related resources, our blog post on the topic, and Anna's handy-dandy resource for integratin
E23 - The good, the bad, and the ugly of performance reviews
Performance reviews and observations by supervisors are a common practice in the world of education, but whether they contribute to our growth as teachers depends on a multitude of factors. In this episode, Shey and Anna discuss some of their best and worst experiences with observations, and they shed light on what makes observations successful, from both the observer's and the teacher's side. Wha
E22 - Make reviewing fun again!
Questionable title choice...but reviewing should be fun! And, more importantly, effective. In this episode, Shey and Anna discuss some of their strategies for making reviewing engaging and beneficial. How to you make reviewing a success? Check out our episode-related resources and Anna's fun sentence combining review activity.
E21 - Addressing current events in the classroom
Should English language teachers take it upon themselves to discuss current events in the classroom? TL;DR - Yes! But how? In this episode, Shey and Anna explore the different considerations to take into account when breaching news topics, from students' proximity to news events to media literacy to language proficiency. Check out our episode-related resources.
E20 - TESOL Special 2022!
We're exhilarated and exhausted after TESOL 2022! In this episode, Shey and Anna recount their key takeaways from the conference and share the thoughts and voices of other conference participants they interviewed in Pittsburgh. What ideas did you come away with? Check out our slide deck from our presentation, "The Power of Podcasting: How to Launch an ELT Podcast." Power to the people!
E19 - The why and the how of peer review
Why is peer feedback important, and how can we use it to facilitate learning? In this episode, Shey and Anna discuss their experience with peer feedback and recommendations for implementing it effectively in the classroom. Check out our episode-related resources, and our easily adaptable peer review packet on Teachers Pay Teachers.
E18 - Book Review: Race, Empire, & English Language Teaching
In this episode, Shey and Anna review Dr. Suhanthie Motha's 2014 book, Race, Empire, and English Language Teaching: Creating Responsible and Ethical Anti-racist Practice, and discuss some of their top takeaways from the book. Click here for more episode-related resources.
E17 - The benefits of formal TESOL training
In this episode, Shey and Anna chat about the benefits of their own TESOL training and the intersection of formal training and experience. Click here for episode-related resources.
E16 - It's OK to just exist
Are you as wrapped up in toxic productivity as we are? Listen in and reflect on how you can set goals to lead a happy, healthy life of work and play as we head deeper into the new year. We want YOU to be our accountability partners. Click here for episode-related resources.
Blooper Reel 2021!
Holy cow, we've come a long way in 2021... Enjoy some ridiculousness and revel in our blunders at the end of this crazy year. We'll be back in 2022!
E15 - So you've lost your zest for teaching
How do you keep your passion for teaching alive despite everyday challenges and points of frustration? How can you tell if your disenchantment with the craft is temporary and burnout inspired, or an indicator of a lack of fulfillment or misalignment with your future goals? Beat the end-of-term slump with us as we discuss how to reclaim our zest for teaching. Click here for episode-related resource
E14 - Representation: More than just a stock photo
How do you go about incorporating diverse voices and realities in your curriculum? What strategies do you use to ensure that diversity is represented in your classroom? Just in time for Thanksgiving, in this episode we discuss approaches to representing more than just our own perspectives and experiences in the classroom. Click here for episode-related resources.
E13 - The Delicate Dance of English
How do you acknowledge the connection between language and power in your classroom? How do you avoid imposing cultural norms associated with learning English? How do you highlight the validity of English as it is taught and spoken across the globe? In this episode, we touch upon the intersection of race and English’s world dominance, names and identity, white saviorism, the unicorn of “standard En
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