Best Differentiated Instruction Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 242: Shortcast 204: Reflections from a Four-Year Implementer 15:17

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4d ago15:17

15:17

Listen to the full episode here Toni Rose is joined by Sam Ortiz to talk about her experience implementing the model over four school years, addressing concerns from stakeholders, and engaging with the MCP community Show Notes Screencastify and Screencastify Submit Quizziz MCP Self-Paced Structures resources (including the tracker templates Sam men…

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The Hero's Journey & Teaching Life Lessons through Literature with Lauren Turley 31:03

6d ago31:03

31:03

In this episode of 20 Minutes of Teaching Brilliance on the Road with Trust Based Observations, Craig Randall interviews Lauren Turley, a ninth grade English teacher from Cardinal Mooney High School in Sarasota, Florida. They discuss Lauren's teaching journey, her approach to classroom management, the integration of higher order thinking skills in …

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FEED DROP: Boundaries and Balance: Practical Solutions for Teacher Burnout 1:09:07

8d ago1:09:07

1:09:07

For our first feed drop of the summer, we'd love to share this episode of Teachers Talkin' with you! Teachers Talkin’ is a discussion-based podcast hosted by Dustin Tatroe and Ghazali Abdul-Wahab, focused on elevating conversations in education. Each episode features honest, reflective dialogue with educators from around the world on topics ranging…

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Episode 241: Shortcast 201 - Increasing Student and Teacher Confidence 18:10

11d ago18:10

18:10

TR is joined by Megan Meachum to talk about how the MCP model benefited both herself and her students, and her plans for the coming school year. Read a summary of the original episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes Listen to the full version of this episode here Remember, you can now listen to this episode (and all episodes) on Y…

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Encouraging Student Engagement with Marcee McLain 29:07

13d ago29:07

29:07

In this episode, Craig Randall interviews Marcee McLain, a fifth-grade teacher at Soap Lake Elementary. Marcee shares her journey into teaching, her methods for fostering creativity, and the importance of building strong relationships with students. The discussion also touches on the positive impact of Trust-Based Observations in her classroom.…

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AI In Education 49:33

13d ago49:33

49:33

Drew Perkins talks with Songyee Yoon, author and founder and managing partner of the venture capital firm Principal Venture Partners (PVP), where she focuses on investing in AI-native companies transforming industries. Links & Resources Mentioned In This EpisodeBy ThoughtStretchers Education

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Episode 240: Hacking Assessments 44:27

18d ago44:27

44:27

TR is joined by Starr Sackstein to talk about how teachers can authentically innovate and disrupt in the realm of assessment. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes Starr Sackstein Starr's book, Hacking Assessment Starr and Alexandra Laing's new book, Solving School Challenges: The Everything Guide to Trans…

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Beliefs Drive Successful Writing Practices: A Digging Deeper Dialogue 37:56

19d ago37:56

37:56

In the final episode of our third season, we dive into the foundational beliefs that shape effective writing instruction. From emphasizing explicit teaching to fostering a community led by a teacher who writes to foundational skills like handwriting and spelling, we explore key elements that support student success. This episode will inspire educat…

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From Evaluation to Empowerment with Lizz Chappell 33:45

20d ago33:45

33:45

In this episode, Craig Randall discusses impactful teaching with Lizz Chappell. They delve into building student rapport, the importance of trust, encouraging student vulnerability, and the role of interest in learning.By Craig Randall

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Powerful Knowledge And A Capabilities Curriculum 1:05:06

22d ago1:05:06

1:05:06

Drew Perkins talks with teacher and author, Richard Bustin, about his book What Are We Teaching? Links & Resources Mentioned In This EpisodeBy ThoughtStretchers Education

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Episode 239: Wavio 40:10

25d ago40:10

40:10

Guest host Aimee Yocom is joined by Dana Kravchick to talk about the Wavio Pulse tracker, developed specifically for MCP. They discuss how Wavio came to be, how it can be used in the classroom, and what the future holds for the platform. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes Wavio and The Wavio Pulse Track…

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The Salad Bowl Game: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie 7:25

26d ago7:25

7:25

The Salad Bowl Game is one of our family's favorite games to play when we're all together, and it's also a great game for building students' vocabulary in writing, as well as any other content area. Give it a try with friends when you have some time, and have some great laughs and learning in classrooms with students. Send us a text Please subscrib…

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Episode 238: What About the High Achievers? 51:07

1M ago51:07

51:07

TR is joined by Jocelyn Hieatzman to talk about how high achieving students can learn from discomfort as they thrive in a Modern Classroom. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes MCP Podcast Episode 56: Veteran Teachers (Jocelyn's first appearance on the podcast) Canvas LMS Jocelyn's Unit 2 Lesson 2 exempla…

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Meet the Featured Writers in This Year's Author Spotlight Series: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey 5:10

1M ago5:10

5:10

Introducing the 10th Annual Author Spotlight Series on the Two Writing Teachers blog, featuring daily interviews with children’s authors and illustrators who share their creative journeys and writing processes. Listeners get a preview of the week’s lineup, including stories of resilience, identity, and collaboration from Tim Donohue, Tyler Gordon, …

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Classroom Mastery with Clarissa Larsen 30:23

1M ago30:23

30:23

In this episode, Craig interviews Clarissa Larson, a passionate and dedicated sixth-grade teacher from Central Washington. Clarissa shares her journey into teaching, the impact of her mother on her career, and her innovative teaching strategies. Topics include the importance of classroom management, the benefits of starting as a paraeducator, build…

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Science Of Learning, PBL, And Inquiry: A Salon Conversation 54:24

1M ago54:24

54:24

Drew Perkins is joined by Andrew Watson, Dr. Cindy Nebel, and Fox Demoisey to discuss the intersections between the Science of Learning, project-based learning, and inquiry. Links & Resources Mentioned In This EpisodeBy ThoughtStretchers Education

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Episode 237: 5th Grade Collaboration 56:05

1M ago56:05

56:05

TR is joined by a fifth grade teaching team to talk about how they work together to use the MCP model in their different classes. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes Connect with Abby, Amy, and Madeline by email Abby: [email protected] Amy: [email protected] Madeline: madeline.cole@t…

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Support Family Advocacy and Empowerment: A Digging Deeper Dialogue 34:05

1M ago34:05

34:05

In this special episode, Melanie turns the tables as she interviews Stacey about her forthcoming book, which helps parents understand how to make the school system work for their child with disabilities. Hear about the personal passion that fueled this project, get an overview of the book’s three-part structure, and demystify the language of specia…

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Episode 236: Gifted Education 51:44

2M ago51:44

51:44

TR is joined by Alex Clough to talk about gifted learners and how to help them thrive in a Modern Classroom. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes Differentiation Doesn't Work, by James Delisle Differentiation Does, in Fact, Work, by Carol Tomlinson NAGC and the NAGC Annual Convention SENG: Supporting Emot…

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Three Ways to Differentiate: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie 4:53

2M ago4:53

4:53

In this Tip for Tomorrow, Melanie provides three ideas for differentiating that can work across grade levels and across genres. Send us a text Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform. You may contact us directly if you want us to consult with your school district. Melanie Meehan: meehanmelani…

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Episode 235: Is AI the Solution? 1:03:08

2M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

TR is joined by Carlos Canela to talk about how educators can use AI responsibly and the importance of connection, even in an AI-forward classroom. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes Carlos' Padlet with AI resources for teachers MCP's Instagram Black Male Educators Convening (BMEC) conference Knowlej Pa…

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Maintain & Nurture Writing Skills During Summer Break: A Tip for Tomorrow from Stacey 8:19

2M ago8:19

8:19

Let’s revisit the Spring 2017 blog series "Keep Learning Going Throughout the Summer," which explored various strategies to maintain children's writing skills during the summer break. Stacey highlights key ideas from the 2017 co-author team, including creating personalized writing spaces, gamifying the writing process, and using books to inspire wr…

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Making Science Practical and Applicable with Moriah Houseman 31:34

2M ago31:34

31:34

In this episode, Craig Randall speaks with Moriah Housman, a passionate middle school science teacher at the Lovett School in Atlanta, Georgia. They discuss Moriah's journey into teaching, her unique classroom strategies, and an engaging lab activity that sparks curiosity and higher-order thinking among her students.…

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Anti-DEI And Enlightenment Liberal Principles 1:13:14

2M ago1:13:14

1:13:14

Drew Perkins talks with Tim Minella, Senior Constitutionalism Fellow at The Goldwater Institute, about their work to eliminate DEI in higher education. Links & Resources Mentioned In This EpisodeBy ThoughtStretchers Education

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Why Open-Source AI Is the Future and needs its 'Linux Moment'? | Manos Koukoumidis 1:19:38

2M ago1:19:38

1:19:38

Manos is the CEO of Oumi, a platform focused on open sourcing the entire lifecycle of foundation and large models. Prior to that he was at Google leading efforts on developing large language models within Cloud services. He also has experience working at Facebook on AR/VR projects and at Microsoft’s cloud division developing machine learning based …

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Episode 234: Learned Helplessness 1:07:09

2M ago1:07:09

1:07:09

Toni Rose is joined by Ernest Rodriguez to discuss learned helplessness and the importance of SEL and vulnerability in a student-centered classroom. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes Hot Yoga On Purpose, with Jay Shetty Gimkit Connect with Ernest by email at [email protected] Learning Experiences fo…

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The Evolving Landscape of Writing Instruction: The Writing Roundtable 45:44

2M ago45:44

45:44

In our second Writing Roundtable episode, renowned literacy expert Lester L. Laminack joins us to discuss his Ferris wheel of education concept, providing a fresh perspective on educational trends. Lester examines the current state of writing instruction, investigating how recent developments influence students' writing experiences and skills. List…

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Creating a Supportive Learning Environment for Neurodivergent Students with Thaint Elliot 30:43

2M ago30:43

30:43

In this episode, Craig speaks with Thaint Elliot, a dedicated reading interventionist, about her experiences and methodologies in creating a supportive and efficient learning environment for neurodivergent students. They also delve into broader educational challenges and potential solutions for public school systems.…

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DEI: Expansive or Restrictive? A Salon Conversation 57:47

2M ago57:47

57:47

Drew Perkins is joined by educators and DEI practitioners Carlos Hoyt, Daryl Sinclair, and Nunana Nyomi for a salon-style conversation about the complexities and nuances of DEI. Links & Resources Mentioned In This EpisodeBy ThoughtStretchers Education

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Episode 233: Driver Education 1:01:28

2M ago1:01:28

1:01:28

TR is joined by Debbie Fry to talk about how she uses the MCP model in her Driver Education, P.E., and Health classes. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes MCP Podcast Episode 231: Physical Education Connect with Debbie by email at [email protected] Contact us, follow us online, and learn more: Em…

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Three Ideas for Writing Test Prep: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie 6:24

2M ago6:24

6:24

Fun test prep may seem like an oxymoron, but in this tip for tomorrow, Melanie shares a few ways you can bring movement, collaboration, and agency into getting students ready to take assessments. Send us a text Please subscribe to our podcast and leave us ratings/reviews on your favorite listening platform. You may contact us directly if you want u…

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Unlocking Student Potential with Jill Stedman 29:27

2M ago29:27

29:27

In this episode, Craig Randall interviews Jill Stedman, a seasoned social studies teacher from the Lovett School in Atlanta, Georgia. They discuss Jill's innovative teaching methods, including her use of Madeline Hunter's instructional strategies, Project Zero routines, and the thought-provoking unit on fast fashion and its impact on the Chinese ec…

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Powerful Questioning, Powerful Pedagogy 1:01:00

2M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

Drew Perkins talks with Bruce Robertson about his new book, Power Up Your Questioning: A Practical Handbook for Teachers. Links & Resources Mentioned In This EpisodeBy ThoughtStretchers Education

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Episode 232: Workforce Readiness Training 55:30

2M ago55:30

55:30

TR is joined by Sam Meisenburg, co-founder of Study Snacks, to talk about the importance of, and methodologies for, teaching cybersecurity and AI concepts to high schoolers. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes Study Snacks Transparent bird feeder Brave Browser Onion Router and the Tor Project Duck Duck G…

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Foundations of Written Expression: Digging Deeper Dialogue 32:59

2M ago32:59

32:59

In this episode, Stacey interviews Melanie about her upcoming book (co-authored with Maggie Beattie Roberts), tentatively titled THE WRITING BRAIN: FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS OF WRITTEN EXPRESSION. The book emphasizes developing foundational writing skills through research- and evidence-based instructional methods. We discuss the five guiding principles f…

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Building Strong Foundations Early with Macee McGill 26:16

3M ago26:16

26:16

In this episode, Craig Randall speaks with first-year teacher Macee McGill about her teaching strategies, classroom management, and the importance of planning. Macee shares her journey into teaching, insights into her classroom techniques, and how she manages behavioral challenges to create an engaging and effective learning environment.…

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Breaking The Generational Cycle Of Poverty 1:08:34

3M ago1:08:34

1:08:34

Drew Perkins talks with Dr. Abraham George about his work to help children transcend India's caste system through education and his Shanti Bhavan School. Links & Resources Mentioned In This EpisodeBy ThoughtStretchers Education

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Episode 231: Physical Education 58:00

3M ago58:00

58:00

TR is joined by Jake Bersin to talk about the unique considerations of teaching health and PE and the ways he thinks MCP may benefit health and PE teachers. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes TGFU Model of PE teaching Jake's Padlet "Advocacy and Education Beyond the Classroom Walls" MAHPERD (Massachuset…

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Some Spelling Shifts: A Tip for Tomorrow from Melanie 6:55

3M ago6:55

6:55

There is a lot of research about spelling and how students learn to spell words, and there are important connections between how students spell and how they learn to read. In this episode, Melanie shares a few changes she's made as she works with students who ask how to spell words. RESOURCES MENTIONED: How Words Cast Their Spell Rebecca Treiman Se…

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Creating Safe Spaces for Growth with Amanda Jelen 32:48

3M ago32:48

32:48

In this episode, Craig Randall speaks with Amanda Jelen, a dedicated third-grade teacher at Holy Redeemer in Marshall, Minnesota. Amanda shares her teaching journey, the importance of building strong teacher-student relationships, and strategies for effective classroom management and engagement. She also discusses differentiation practices to meet …

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Differentiated Instruction With Modern Classrooms Project 57:10

3M ago57:10

57:10

Drew Perkins talks with Robert Barnett, Modern Classrooms Project cofounder, about his new book, Meet Every Learner's Needs: Redesigning Instruction So All Students Can Succeed. Links & Resources Mentioned In This EpisodeBy ThoughtStretchers Education

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Episode 230: HS Credit Recovery Team 1:06:00

3M ago1:06:00

1:06:00

TR is joined by Amy Steele, Kara Cisco, Renee Swanson, and Sierra Burris to talk about their work incorporating MCP into the credit recovery program in St. Paul Public Schools. Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog. Show Notes Alternative Education in St. Paul MCP University (link to come) Canva, and Kara's video on u…