Vrain Waves: Teaching Conversations with Minds Shaping Education
Vrain Waves is a podcast dedicated to providing teachers with professional learning opportunities anytime, anywhere. Each episode features conversations with prominent educational figures, successful professionals, and sought-after consultants. The show aims to keep educators informed, inspired, and connected by highlighting educational theories, strategies, and practical tools for the classroom. It is hosted by Suzy Evans and Shane Saeed.
Episodes
Stronger Learning at All Ages!
Wrapping up Season 8 with three outstanding St. Vrain educators who continually seek to refine their practice. We don't need to redo everything every year! Small, intentional shifts in language, error-analysis protocols, and reflection make a huge difference in these classrooms. All of which directly translates to inspiring students to own their learning and stay curious. Smart teaching, stronger
Smart Teaching, Stronger Learning!
We can't say enough about the collective efficacy that contributed to this incredible book, Smart Teaching Stronger Learning, but more importantly, the collective efficacy that is built when we incorporate science of learning practices. Our biggest takeaway: Don't be intimidated by these concepts! They are actually "bite-sized adjustments" you can make that will result in powerful shifts for your
ETHOS behind the AI
We are highlighting our incredible St. Vrain Valley AI team in this episode, and their work over the last three years has resulted in an Ethical, Transparent, Human-centered, Opportunity-focused, and Safe AI framework. Keeping people, not tools, at the center of this work is the priority, and let's ask ourselves, "Will AI help our students grow, or just get it done?" "Is it a value-add and elevati
AI: I can, but should I?
Tune in for one of our most important episodes with educator, author, and speaker Matt Miller. Facing an ever-changing educational system requires putting on our "Tomorrow Glasses", along with a healthy dose of optimism and skepticism. While we can leverage AI and technology to create engagement and lighten some of our workload, it's sound, fundamental pedagogy that's still the foundation for how
Scaffolding in the Classroom; rooted in empathy
Tune into one of our favorite conversations ever with master teacher Wendy Schuller, who grounds her scaffolding principles in empathy for her students. What would I need as a 5th-grader in this moment?, How am I using my data to determine what my students need? and What is the endgame for pulling the scaffolding back? are her guiding questions on a daily basis. Observing, responding, and bridging
The Scaffolding Effect: Hunting, not Fishing
Bringing 2025 to a close with one of our most important conversations! Tune in as we chat with educator-authors, Rachel Ball and Alex Fairlamb, on why we need to be hunters in our classrooms, searching for student understanding, instead of hoping and fishing for mastery. The Scaffolding Effect is one of the best professional development books we've ever read; truly scaffolding and chunking materia
AI in the Classroom: Enhancement, Inspiration, & Reflection
The perfect follow-up to our episode last month with Dr. Catlin Tucker, three rockstar St. Vrain Valley educators give us a peek into how they're using AI as an enhancement tool, as inspiration and a thought-partner for students, a coach for themselves, and the ultimate brainstorming generator. Tune in to get inspired yourself and start to embrace our new AI reality!@SuzannahEvans2@drshanesaeed@Ca
Season 8 is here! Leverage and Lean into AI!
Welcome back to Season 8! Dr. Catlin Tucker is back on the show, talking with us about how we can leverage AI to be a thought partner. How can we thoughtfully design learning pathways, lean into AI for the pieces that have traditionally taken up our time, and be more available for human connection? Tune in as we discuss UDL, sustainable practices, elevating our teaching, and always, always, ensuri
Refine, Refresh, Relate!
We're wrapping up Season 7 with two master St. Vrain teachers, Joylynn Boardman and Brian Huey, who continue to refine their practice, create relevant learning experiences, and champion their students! No matter how long we've been in education, adapting, tweaking, and reflecting are the keys to sustaining student engagement. But the most crucial piece for ALL students is, of course, inspiring the
Scaffolding, Mastery, and Self-Image
Tune in as we chat with Professor Dan Willingham about his flow chart for independence, mastery in education, and building up the self-image of our students. Check out his book, Outsmart Your Brain, for strategies to combat learned helplessness, understanding what it takes to achieve true mastery, and how crucial it is to help our students reframe their personal narrative about academics. Dan Will
Teaching to the whole student
It's time to connect the Physical and the Education in the classroom. Nothing is in a silo in our world. We are teaching the whole student, so connecting mind and body in our instruction benefits everyone. Incorporating movement in our classrooms creates engagement and builds attention, which helps content stick. Tune in as we chat with two @SVVSD physical education teachers who also teach academi
Sound Body, Sound Mind!
Welcome to 2025! The month of January is famous for starting new physical activity routines and we can't emphasize enough how important it is to move in the classroom too! "Movement snacks" as @DrJulianReed describes them are not only crucial for a sound body but also translate to increased academic performance. Tune in as we talk about the benefits of understanding the basics of brain science, fo
Holy Cats! Learning Progressions
Looking to build agency and standards mastery in your classroom? Then look no further than learning progressions! Tune in as we say goodbye to 2024 and chat with our very own @BennerBrainiacs. She motivates her students to self-assess on standards, visualize their goals more clearly, and achieve true mastery using learning progressions in her classroom.@SuzannahEvans2@Drshanesaeed@BennerBraniacsLe
Self Assessment 1 through 6
Inspiring students to self-assess and start working independently doesn't have to be complicated! Not only are students becoming aware of what they need and advocating for themselves, but also engaging in some beautiful metacognition. Another added benefit? All that independence and efficacy actually leads to higher-quality collaborative work! Tune in as we chat with Marcus Luther from The Broken
What's Your Lead Domino?
Happy October to our Vrain Waves listeners! The perfect follow-up to our first episode with Brandon Slade is our conversation with these two rockstar St. Vrain educators, secondary special education teacher, Sarah Patton, and elementary counselor, Mike Laurent. Tune in as we talk about go-to strategies for not just students with needs, but the whole student body. We can't say it enough...what's es
Setting Up for Success in Season 7!
Welcome to Season 7 of Vrain Waves! We are kicking off with what we all need at the start of the year. Setting up for success means explicitly unpacking directions and expectations for all students, especially those with executive functioning deficits. Tune in as we chat with Brandon Slade from Untapped Learning and let's all be reminded that what's essential for some, is good for all!UntappedLear
Reframing Assessment in Action
Wrapping up Season 6 with two rockstar teachers who show us what it looks like to reframe Assessment in the classroom. The key to engaging students is not tricky; it's building intrinsic motivation through authentic assessment and grading practices! Tune in as our very own Sam LaFever and Gideon Matchey unpack how they use explicit assessment strategies to develop mastery and shift the cognitive l
Assessment as Evidence of Success
What are some ways we can reframe assessment? How can we shift toward seeing assessment as evidence of success rather than a "gotcha"? Tune in as Hacking Student Motivation author Tyler Rablin speaks to creating multiple opportunities for students to grow and learn over time. Let's stop focusing on mistakes and start focusing on trends in our classrooms! Spoiler Alert: Student motivation is built
Shift the Epicenter!
March Madness and the solar eclipse might be over but the excitement of Spring continues! Tune in to hear from our very own @missluker as she speaks to shifting the epicenter of learning, replicating yourself, and creating more powerful feedback loops. How do we do this & still ensure quality instruction? Blended Learning! Dive in, build your students' agency, your own agency, the collective effic
Small Shifts for Big Impact
Tune in for our conversation with Dr. Scott McLeod about his 4 Shifts Protocol and how these shifts can help teachers engage in reflection, apply deeper learning principles, and build student agency in their classrooms. As we learn and grow as educators, the 4 Shifts Protocol is intended "to get at some specific, concrete ‘think abouts’ and ‘look fors’ that can help educators dialogue around what
Find an Open Door!
If the instructional door you chose to open isn't working, find a different door! We can hold high expectations for our students AND meet them where they are at the same time! Tune in as our second married teaching couple, Ken and Kendra Versoi, drop amazing and tangible strategies for effective facilitation (hint, hint it starts with Relationships). @SuzannahEvans2@saeed_shaneNecessary Conditions
Necessary Condition: Learning TOGETHER
Gifting our listeners with all things Geoff Krall! Author of one of our favorite books, Necessary Conditions: Teaching Secondary Math with Academic Safety, Quality Tasks, and Effective Facilitation, Geoff speaks to creating academic safety, moving from an emphasis on speed to thoughtfulness, and the power of letting go. But if you're not a math teacher, never fear! There is something for ALL teach
Learning Party, Part 2: All Ages Welcome!
Think that the Science of Learning practices are only for older students? Not true! The learning party invitation can and should be extended to all grades, Kindergarten through 12th. Tune in to our first mini-wave episode of Season 6 to hear how master (and married) St. Vrain Valley teachers, Arianne Tasker and Adam Wellington, incorporate the Science of Learning in their 1st-grade and high school
Learning is a party; make sure to invite your students!
Why did we all become teachers? Chances are, it's because we love to learn. How can we create and inspire that same love for learning in our students? By magic? No, not with magic at all, but with science. The science of learning allows students to internalize their successes, invest in the outcomes, and get in the driver's seat! Learning is a party; make sure to invite your students, is the missi
Feedback Part 2: So Nice, We Had to Do It Twice!
Feedback is too important to only talk about once! We return to one of our favorite topics with two of our own St. Vrain Valley teachers, @HeatherLea303 and @Janis Vogelsberg, to hear how they model feedback in their classrooms, give explicit instruction around the tricky peer feedback loop, and inspire students to shift away from the external motivation of grades and instead use feedback for intr
Feedback is Nourishment
"Feedback is not a luxury, it's a necessity; not a means to an end, but an end in itself. It's the purpose of why we teach." If these aren't mic-drop quotes for you, we need to talk! Or you need to for sure read this duo's latest work, Feedback for Continous Improvement in the Classroom. Listen in as we talk all things feedback with Brent Duckor and Carrie Holmberg. You'll hear how they emphasize
Classrooms, Community, and Collective Efficacy!
Our first mini-wave goes straight to the source...2 classroom teachers right here in St. Vrain! Join us as Altona Middle School's Cleveland Smith and Westview Middle School's Danny Hernandez talk classroom connections, relationships, and building collective efficacy. @SuzannahEvans2@saeed_shane@WestviewSVVSD@AltonaMS
We Love It Here!
We Love It Here! Yep, we sure do! Shane and I are loving being behind the mic with Vrain Waves and in this episode, we chat with Clint Pulver, the Undercover Millennial, whose book, I Love It Here, is a must-read for anyone in the business world AND anyone in education.“No significant learning can ever happen without significant connection” is just one of our favorite takeaways and goosebump momen
New Year, New Hosts, New Vrain Waves!
The mic has officially been passed to us from Ben Kalb! With the re-launch of the podcast, we are celebrating all things NEW; new year, new students, and new teachers! Our goal is to create inspiration and empowerment for educators, so alongside the giants of education, new hosts Suzy Evans and Shane Saeed will also be talking with classroom educators and how they use these theories in their pract
Grading for Equity with Joe Feldman
Episode 060: Grading for Equity with Joe FeldmanConnect with Joe Feldman Website: https://crescendoedgroup.org/ | Twitter: @JoeCFeldman Connect with Vrain WavesWebsite: vrainwaves.com | Twitter: @VrainWaves | Lindsay Laporte Twitter: @LaPorteLindsay |Oakley Schilling Twitter: @OakleySchilling| Ben KalbTwitter: @mrkalb
Principal Kafele on Transformative Change
Episode 059: Principal Kafele on Transformative ChangeConnect with Principal KafeleWebsite: https://principalkafele.com/| Twitter: @principalkafele| YouTube: School Leadership ThoughtsConnect with Vrain WavesWebsite: vrainwaves.com | Twitter: @VrainWaves | Shane Saeed| Instagram: @fantasticallyfourth Twitter: @saeed_shaneBen Kalb| Twitter: @mrkalb
Dr. John Spencer and the Sporky Food Truck
Episode 058: John Spencer and the Sporky Food TruckConnect with John Spencer Website: http://www.spencerauthor.com | Twitter: @spencerideas| YouTube: Spencer VideosConnect with Vrain WavesWebsite: vrainwaves.com | Twitter: @VrainWaves | Violet Twitter: @vhchristensen | Ben Twitter: @mrkalb Violet hosts a podcast for instructional coaches called C3 (Connecting Coaches Cognition) and it can be foun
Dr. Katie Martin: Clarity and Purpose during a Pandemic
Katie Martin is a best selling author, an acclaimed keynote speaker, and a highly sought after educational consultant! Whether you are teaching completely in person, totally virtually, or in a hybrid environment, in this episode we discuss how you can thrive!Connect with Vrain WavesWebsite: vrainwaves.com | Twitter: @VrainWaves | Temple Hayles Guest Co-Host: @haylessvvsd| Ben Kalb: @mrkalbConnect
Apollo 13'ing it with Zaretta Hammond
Connect with Zaretta HammondTwitter: @Ready4Rigor | Website: crtandthebrain.com | Book: Culturally Responsive Teaching and the BrainConnect with Vrain WavesWebsite: vrainwaves.com | Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky Twitter: @BeckyEPeters | Ben Twitter: @mrkalbIntroRyan Holiday, Stillness is the Key, Stoicism, Blog post about habitsZaretta’s Current Conversations (05:05) Covid webinarsApollo 13 (09:47)
You're Not Listening with Kate Murphy
Connect with Kate MurphyWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/by/kate-murphy | Book: You're Not Listening: What You're Missing and Why It MattersConnect with Vrain WavesWebsite: vrainwaves.com | Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky Twitter: @BeckyEPeters | Ben Twitter: @mrkalbIntro to Kate Murphy, her book (01:24) Best Nonfiction book of 2020Listening for a living (03:35)We all have megaphones in our pockets (
Coping with Covid: Catlin Tucker on teaching during a Quarantine
Episode 054: Coping with Covid, with Catlin TuckerAs we all try to wrap our heads around the implications the pandemic will have on our students, our communities, our families, and ourselves, we hope to provide some comforting guidance from an expert in remote learning. Catlin Tucker, whose original Vrain Waves interview aired back in Season 2 about her book Power Up Blended Learning, joins us aga
Ending Average with Todd Rose
Episode 053: Ending Average with Todd RoseConnect with Todd Rose Website: https://toddrose.com | Twitter: @ltoddrose | Most Recent Book: Dark HorseConnect with Vrain WavesWebsite: vrainwaves.com | Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky Twitter: @BeckyEPeters | Ben Twitter: @mrkalbIntro to Todd Rose (00:22) Episode with John CouchWWII cockpit storyEpisode with Natalie WexlerJagged profiles; Todd Rose’s TED T
Aligning Words and Intentions with Mike Anderson
Aligning Words and Intentions with Mike AndersonConnect with Mike AndersonWebsite: https://www.leadinggreatlearning.com/| Twitter: @balancedteacher | Most Recent Book: What We Say and How We Say it MatterConnect with Vrain WavesWebsite: vrainwaves.com | Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky Twitter: @BeckyEPeters | Ben Twitter: @mrkalbWhat We Say and How We Say It MatterTwo Year Podiversary (1:00)Presume P
Live your Excellence with Jimmy Casas
Connect with Jimmy Casas Website: https://jimmycasas.com/ | Twitter: @casas_jimmy | Most Recent Book: CulturizeConnect with Vrain WavesWebsite: vrainwaves.com | Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky Twitter: @BeckyEPeters | Ben Twitter: @mrkalbJimmy, Intro (00:32) Live your Interview (03:18) Elena Aguilar, Bright Morning“The biggest problem facing public education today is ineffective leadership.” (06:05)W
The Reshaping of the World with Thomas Friedman
Connect with Thomas Friedman Website: www.thomaslfriedman.com | Twitter: @tomfriedman | Most Recent Book: Thank you for Being LateConnect with Vrain WavesWebsite: vrainwaves.com | Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky Twitter: @BeckyEPeters | Ben Twitter: @mrkalbImportance of Public Education (05:20) Thomas Friedman’s Educational Experiences (06:09) Mr. Friedman’s articles on New York TimesA beautiful trib
Bored and Brilliant with Manoush Zomorodi
Connect with Manoush Zomorodi Website: www.manoushz.com | Twitter: @manoushz | Book: Bored and BrilliantConnect with Vrain WavesWebsite: vrainwaves.com | Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky Twitter: @BeckyEPeters | Ben Twitter: @mrkalbManoush’s work (01:08) Note to Self podcastZig Zag podcastTed Radio Hour podcastStable Genius ProductionsBored and Brilliant BookManoush’s TED TalkTechnology and our Brain
Knowledge Party with Natalie Wexler
Episode 048: Knowledge Party with Natalie WexlerToday on Vrain Waves we have an exciting and somewhat earth shaking interview from Natalie Wexler, education journalist and author of The Knowledge Gap. She walks us through the contributing research and education history that led her to write the book, and some strategies for schools to set the foundation for student success. From her website: “Educ
Teach Like an Advertiser with Dr. Lindsay Portnoy
Teaching & Advertising (01:30) Episode 5 w/ Pirate Dave Rosie the Riveter / Uncle Sam This Girl Can (02:28) Sport England Missy Elliot, Get Ur Freak On Authenticity over perfection (05:05) Dove Real Beauty campaign Commercial with sketch artist Zaretta Hammond's book, Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain (07:26) Selective Vulnerability as a trust-maker Growing a Fan Base (08:2
The Power of Joyful Teaching: A Compilation
Episode 048: The Power of Joyful Teaching I know, I know - clips episodes seem overdone, but bear with us… in this show, we went through our interviews to this point and used Dr. Martin Seligman’s PERMA model for happiness to think through how we can be more joyful in our classrooms (and beyond). Links to all other shows can be found below! Connect with Vrain WavesWebsite: vrainwaves.com | Twit
The Champions Mind with Dr. Jim Afremow
Episode 047: Dr. Jim Afremow - The Champion’s MindSports psychologist Dr. Jim Afremow joins Vrain Waves to share the importance of cultivating a champion’s mindset in everything you do. There are plenty of parallels between sports and teaching and learning; some of these parallels are useful for thinking about your classroom or your collegial relationships in a different frame. Download the Champi
Dr. John Medina, Brain Rules
Episode 046: Dr. John Medina - Brain RulesWe’ve been waiting for years now for the chance to interview Dr. John Medina: Developmental Molecular Biologist, Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Washington School of Medicine, and author of Brain Rules, Brain Rules for Baby, Brain Rules for Aging Well, and Attack of the Teenage Brain, to name a few. Dr. Medina takes time out of his busy sc
Expertise in Education with Dr. Tom Nichols
Episode 045: Dr. Tom Nichols, Expertise in EducationFive-time Jeopardy! Champion, professor, and author Dr. Tom Nichols joins us on Vrain Waves to discuss the implications of his work on K12 education. We chat with Dr. Nichols about the importance of relying on experts, cultivating our own expertise, and the cognitive heuristics that get in our way. From his website: “Tom Nichols is a U.S. Naval W
Teaching from a Full Tank with Chase Mielke
Connect with Chase MielkeWebsite: https://affectiveliving.com/ | Twitter: @chasemielke | Newest Book: The Burnout Cure: Learning to Love Teaching Again, ASCDConnect with Vrain WavesWebsite: vrainwaves.com | Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky Twitter: @BeckyEPeters | Ben Twitter: @mrkalbLinks & Show NotesOut of Our Heads and Into the Classroom (01:56)Tammy Trzebiatowski (@ttrzebiatowski)- Exercise & alon
Fisher & Frey PLC+
Episode 041: PLC Plus with Nancy Frey & Doug Fisher
Join us for this discussion with the potent pair Doug Fisher & Nancy Frey! We learn about their new book, PLC+ and the five questions that get to the heart of what collaboration time should look like in schools. Stay tuned until the end for a special promo code for our listeners for the PLC+ Institutes the authors will be hosting in Color
First Week of School Activities
Episode 040: Welcome to the 2019-2020 School Year!!!A quick intro episode after our summer break. Listen for some inspiration, activities, and free resources to help get your year started off right!! Please consider sharing with a friend, and point some feedback our way at tinyurl.com/vrainwavesfeedback! Thank you!Connect with Vrain WavesWebsite: vrainwaves.com | Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky Twitt
Making the Most of Your Summer
Episode 041: Making the Most of Your Summer
A compilation episode highlighting advice on how to make the most of your summer, courtesy of the interviews from some of our amazing guests. Don’t let decision fatigue get you down! And share with us your summer plans at #makesomevrainwaves.
Connect with Vrain Waves
Website: vrainwaves.com | Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky Twitter: @BeckyEPeters | Ben Twit
Doris Kearns Goodwin & Michael Goodwin - Learning Through History
Episode 038: Doris Kearns Goodwin & Michael Goodwin, Learning from History
Connect with Doris Kearns Goodwin
Website: https://doriskearnsgoodwin.com/ | Twitter: @DorisKGoodwin
Connect with Michael Goodwin
Website: https://riversc9.wixsite.com/riversandrevolutions/michael-goodwin-rivers
Connect with Vrain Waves
Website: vrainwaves.com | Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky Twitter: @BeckyEPeters | Ben
School Leadership Reimagined with Robyn Jackson
Dr. Robyn Jackson, School Leadership Reimagined
Connect with Dr. Jackson
Website: mindstepsinc.com | schoolleadershipreimagined.com | Twitter: @robyn_mindsteps
Connect with Vrain Waves
Website: vrainwaves.com | Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky Twitter: @BeckyEPeters | Ben Twitter: @mrkalb
Links & Show Notes
Dr. Jackson’s books on ASCD
4 Disciplines of Buildership
Why leadership is insufficient (0
Teaching Kids Who Read with Daniel Willingham
Episode 038: Dr. Dan Willingham, Cognitive Scientist
Connect with Dr. Willingham
Website: http://www.danielwillingham.com/ | Twitter: @DTwillingham
Connect with Vrain Waves
Website: vrainwaves.com | Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky Twitter: @BeckyEPeters | Ben Twitter: @mrkalb
Links & Show Notes
Loving reading the most (05:07)
Make it an easy choice (07:12)
Rewards & incentives for reading (0
Positive School and Classroom Culture
Episode 037: Jennifer Gonzalez, Cult of Pedagogy
It’s not a real cult. It’s a mindset, a family, a ton of free resources, a podcast, great blog posts, relevant topics, and, frankly, a security blanket for busy teachers. Many times it’s pushed our thinking, strengthened our practice, and given us solace. It’s the Cult of Pedagogy, and we had the privilege of speaking to the “Head Teacher Nerd”, Jen
Digital Minimalism With Cal Newport
** Cal Newport, Digital Minimalism**
Join us to learn from best-selling author & Computer Science professor Cal Newport as we talk to him about exploring the world of digital abundance, using technology with intention, and walking through life with purpose. Learn more from Cal on his website, at calnewport.com, where he has archived about 10 years of blog posts on everything from study habits
Evicting The Enemies of Yes (ASCD Recap)
Connect with Alyssa Gallagher & Kami Thordarson
Website: www.inprogress-consulting.com/ | Twitter: @am_gallagher; @kami_thor
Connect with Vrain Waves
Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky Twitter: @BeckyEPeters | Ben Twitter: @mrkalb
Ditching Deficit Thinking (ASCD Recap)
Connect with the Dream Team
Websites: learningpersonalized.com, habitsofmindinstitute.org, nuatc.org | Twitter: @allison_zmuda, @benakallick
Connect with Vrain Waves
Website: vrainwaves.com | Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky Twitter: @BeckyEPeters | Ben Twitter: @mrkalb
Connect with ASCD
Website: www.ascd.org | Twitter: @ASCD, @ASCDConf, #Empower19
Dwayne Reed on a Culture of We - ASCD Recap
Episode 035: Dwayne Reed, Welcome to the 4th Grade :)
In the first of our mini-series highlighting the conversations at the ASCD Empower 2019 Conference (#Empower19 for more on social media as well…), we sit down with inspirational teacher Mr. Dwayne Reed from Chicago Public Schools. Please enjoy this quick discussion about getting to know our classroom by starting with ‘you’, then ‘them’, then ‘w
We Got This with Cornelius Minor
Connect with Cornelius Minor
Website: kassandcorn.com | Twitter: @MisterMinor | Book: We Got This
Connect with Vrain Waves
Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky Twitter: @BeckyEPeters | Ben Twitter: @mrkalb
Links & Show Notes
Cornelius’ Introduction & Background (02:05)
Working through and reflecting on failure; teacher imagination (03:45)
We Got This, the book, and the Teacher-as-Hero Narrativ
Sylvia Acevedo on Building Girls of Courage, Confidence, and Character
Episode 032: Sylvia Acevedo, Girl Scouts & STEM
In this episode, Girl Scout CEO Sylvia Acevedo shares so much wisdom and insight into how to reach learners at every level, especially girls. Her stories, both from her own life and from being the CEO of girl scouts and seeing the projects that students are working on, are sure to inspire! Stay tuned after the episode for more classroom tips and
Solving Wicked Problems with Design Thinking
Episode 031: Design Thinking for School Leaders
Co-authors Alyssa Gallagher and Kami Thordarson stop by Vrain Waves to share the 5 elements of design-inspired leadership. Alyssa & Kami “believe that educators can solve the challenges that face our schools faster and more effectively than any policy, top down mandate, or expensive commercial solution.” Tune in as they explain how design, creati
Educated by Design with The Tech Rabbi
Educated By Design with The Tech Rabbi
In his new book, Educated by Design, The Tech Rabbi Michael Cohen shares his journey to education through design, while providing useful tools and resources for the reader to help expand students’ belief in their own creative ability. Today on Vrain Waves, he shares many of these insights with us!
Connect with The Tech Rabbi
Website: https://thetechrabbi.com/
On Learning Spaces with Dr. Robert
Episode 029, Dr. Robert Dillon: The Space
We’ve covered what we teach, and how we teach, and why we teach… but we have never really talked about WHERE we teach. So today, enjoy the insights and inspirations of Dr. Robert Dillon. In this interview, we discuss the research behind where we learn, how we can put this research into practice by making small changes to our environment, and strategies for
Into the Classroom!
Episode 028, Into the Classroom
For our first show of 2019, we decided to outsource for more tangible tips and creative ideas for your classroom to kick off second semester. We asked Vrain Waves listeners to give us a 2-3 minute voice clip of them describing something in their classroom or their practice that they wanted to share with a broader audience - an extended version of our Out of Our Head
Auld Lang Syne: The Best of 2018
Number 5:
Episode 5 with Dave Burgess:
“Mediocrity doesn’t motivate.”
Episode 11 with Dan Meyer:
“Never assume anyone even cares.” / “Teach math as if it were an elective.”
Episode 9 with Daniel Pink:
“Time plays a much bigger role than we realize… we are temporal creatures.”
“Pay careful attention to endings.”
Number 4:
Episode 14 with Dr. Brent Duckor & Dr. Carrie Holmberg:
“Kids need to bui
Starting with Why with Stephen Shedletsky
Connect with Vrain Waves
Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky Twitter: @BeckyEPeters | Ben Twitter: @mrkalb
Connect with Start with Why
Website: https://startwithwhy.com/ | Twitter: @steveshed, @simonsinek |
Stephen's recent Discovery Ed Webinar
Links & Show Notes
Simon Sinek’s TED Talk summary (02:15)
“People don’t buy what they do, they buy why you do it.”
Why start with WHY? (04:12)
What happen
John Couch on Rewiring Education
Episode 025, John Couch: Rewiring Education
In this episode, we speak with a former executive of one of the most influential companies on the planet! In addition to being a personal friend of Steve Jobs, John Couch was the Vice President of Education at Apple Inc. for 16 years. This giant in education enthralls us with stories from his book, Rewiring Education, explains the merits of challenge-bas
Understanding How We Learn with the Learning Scientists
Episode 024: Dr. Megan Sumeracki & Dr. Yana Weinstein - The Learning Scientists
The Learning Scientists are cognitive psychologists who spend their time sharing research-backed study methods via their podcast, their blog, and their new book, Understanding How We Learn: A Visual Guide. Today, they talk to us about their research and how it translates into the classroom. Enjoy!
Connect with The
Dan Heath on the Power of Moments
Connect with Dan Heath
Website: heathbrothers.com
**Connect with Vrain Waves
Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky Twitter: @BeckyEPeters | Ben Twitter: @mrkalb
Links & Show Notes
Dan’s intro to Power of Moments (3:01)
UPC scanner Bush surprise (4:15)
Power of Moments in the classroom (5:58)
Sign up for Heath Brothers Email Newsletter
Ed examples from Power of Moments (06:49)
What are peak moments (07
Student Engagement with Allison Zmuda
Connect with Allison Zmuda
Twitter: @allison_zmuda | Website: allisonzmuda.com, learningpersonalized.com
Connect with Vrain Waves
Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky Twitter: @BeckyEPeters | Ben Twitter: @mrkalb
Links & Show Notes
To skip ahead to the interview, go to the 8 minute mark
Out of Our Heads and Into the Classroom: (01:20)
Students keeping track of mistakes & analyzing errors: Student
Catlin Tucker on Blended Learning
Connect with Catlin Tucker
Twitter: @catlin_tucker | Website: catlintucker.com
Connect with Vrain Waves
Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky Twitter: @BeckyEPeters | Ben Twitter: @mrkalb
Links & Show Notes
Out of Our Heads and Into the Classroom:
Timesaving hack: Ctrl + Cmd + Shift + 4 = copy screenshot to clipboard instead of desktop
The Box of Awesome
Metaphorical Fashion - another great one from
George Couros on The Innovator's Mindset
Episode 020: George Couros, https://georgecouros.ca/blog/
When it comes to innovation in the classroom, George Couros is simultaneously the man, the myth and the legend! He stops by Vrain Waves to discuss mindsets, guinea pigs, and what parents really want for their students...tune in to find out more!
Connect with George Couros
Twitter: @gcouros | Website: https://georgecouros.ca/blog/
Connect wi
Social and Emotional Learning with Denise Pope
Episode 019: Denise Pope, ChallengeSuccess.org
Dr. Pope joins us on Vrain Waves to talk about the role that stress plays in our students lives, how we can work to decrease that cognitive takeover, and some digestible research we can both learn from and share with our parents. Enjoy!!
Connect with Dr. Denise Pope
Twitter: @chalsuccess | Website: http://www.challengesuccess.org/, https://ed.stanford
John Hattie on Visible Learning and Feedback
Episode 018: John Hattie, Visible Learning
We are so excited to share with you the conversation we were lucky enough to have with Dr. John Hattie - educational researcher, professor, Director of the Melbourne Educational Research Institute, and overall brilliant person. Please enjoy, and send your questions, comments, discussions to us @VrainWaves to keep this conversation going!
Connect with Dr.
How to Rock the First Week of School: strategies, techniques, and activities for kicking off the school year right!
** How to Rock the First Week of School**
And we’re back!! Thanks for tuning in for Season 2 of Vrain Waves! In this episode Ben and Becky discuss and share activities to make this first week in your classroom the best one ever! Please share your ideas using the #makesomevrainwaves so that we can learn from each other!
Connect with Vrain Waves
Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky Twitter: @BeckyEPeters |
Make Some VrainWaves Summer Challenge
End-of-Season Call to Action
This time around, instead of standing on the shoulders of more giants, Ben & Becky reflect on the season with their simple next steps for action and invite you to do the same. #MakeSomeVrainWaves with us this summer and share your plans @VrainWaves on twitter or Facebook, or on our website at www.vrainwaves.com.
Connect with Vrain Waves
Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky
Formative Assessment Strategies and Moves with Dr. Duckor & Dr. Holmberg
Episode 014: Dr. Brent Duckor & Dr. Carrie Holmberg, Mastering Formative Assessment Moves
In the foreword for this book, Dr. John Hattie describes the work of Dr. Duckor and Dr. Holmberg as “[bringing to life] how to think of one’s self on a trajectory of powerful practices that unite instruction and assessment.” In many conversations, we tend to separate the two and don’t think deeply enough
AJ Juliani on Genius Hour, PBL, Design Thinking and Student Inquiry
Connect with Vrain Waves
Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky Twitter: @BeckyEPeters | Ben Twitter: @mrkalb
Connect with AJ Juliani
Twitter: @ajjuliani | Website: http://ajjuliani.com/ | Books: AJ Juliani on Amazon
Links & Show Notes
Skip to Minute 9 to get to the Interview with AJ Juliani
What is Genius Hour? (01:33)
Out of Our Heads and Into the Classroom (02:07)
Structure (02:30)
Getting Started w
Teaching Digital Natives with Screenwise Author Devorah Heitner
Connect with Vrain Waves
Twitter: @VrainWaves | Becky Twitter: @BeckyEPeters | Ben Twitter: @mrkalb
Connect with Dr. Heitner
Twitter: @DevorahHeitner | Website: https://www.raisingdigitalnatives.com/ | Book: ScreenWise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in their Digital World
Links & Show Notes
Virtual assistants (1:45) - Google conference virtual assistant preview video
Smarter Than You Think
Recommended
Deadline: White House
English Vocabulary Help
این نقطه
Solved Murders - True Crime Stories
紐約鳥｜New York Aperture
Doctor Zhivago Slow Read
Apple News In Conversation
The Young and Called Podcast .
Jubal Phone Pranks from The Jubal Show
پلی لیست | PlayList
English with Olivia | Slow Conversations & Vocabulary
Bible Tea
