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School Specialty Podcasts
Stay up-to-date on the latest tips and trends in education, and gain expert advice with School Specialty’s podcasts. Take a listen and explore all the ways we help educators transform more than classrooms!
The Schoolyard Podcast
Expert guests discuss educational trends, seasonally relevant topics, as well as new and proven solutions in all areas of education with Nancy Chung, experienced educator and influencer.
The Schoolyard Podcast is the winner of the 2023 EdTech Chronicles “Best in Education" Best K12 Podcast Episode
Listen below to the latest episode:
The Schoolyard Podcast Archive
Skip to Next Podcast ArchiveS2.Ep.13: Winter Wiggles: Indoor Activities to Energize Your School
• Jan 23, 2025 • 39 min 38 sec
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In this episode, Nancy is joined by Lynnette Cornett from School Specialty to discuss innovative ways to energize students through indoor activities during the winter season. Discover how to turn your school's indoor spaces into dynamic environments that support students of all abilities, integrating therapeutic support seamlessly into fun group activities.
S2.Ep.12: Creative Classrooms: Infusing Art into Every Subject
• Jan 8, 2025 • 42 min 12 sec
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In this episode of The Schoolyard, Nancy explores the power of creativity in education with James Wells, Education Content Manager at Crayola. James, a former Educator of the Year, shares his insights on how creative approaches can transform learning, spark student engagement, and foster a love of learning.
S2.Ep.11: A Season for Smiles: The Joy of Teaching
• Dec 18, 2024 • 47 min 05 sec
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In this heartwarming episode of The Schoolyard Podcast, Nancy is joined by two beloved educators, Lauran and Josh, whose humor, compassion, and joy have earned them “social media royalty” status. Together, they share the magical moments that make teaching so rewarding—from hilarious classroom mishaps to breakthrough connections with students.
S2.Ep.10: Finding Community: How Social Media Transformed My Teaching Journey with @teaching3rdwithmrg
• Dec 11, 2024 • 37 min 44 sec
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In this episode of The Schoolyard Podcast, we welcome back Juan Edgar Gonzalez Jr. (@Teaching3rdwithmrg), a passionate elementary teacher and literacy advocate, to discuss the incredible influence teachers wield both in the classroom and online.
S2.Ep.9: Empowering Educators: Building a Community of Support Through SEL and Reflective Practices
• Nov 27, 2024 • 39 min 10 sec
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In this episode of The Schoolyard Podcast, Nancy explores the transformative power of reflective teaching practices with special guest Kim Gameroz, M.Ed., founder of Teaching Inside Out.
S2.Ep.8: Integrating Holidays into Curriculum - Thematic Teaching
• Nov 13, 2024 • 32 min 20 sec
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In this episode, Nancy is tapping into the excitement of the season, and how teachers transform ordinary lessons into extraordinary adventures. Joining her is Carlanda Miller, also known as The Magical Teacher.
S2.Ep.7: Balancing Act: Diego Napoles on Managing Teaching, Social Media, and Family Life
• Oct 30, 2024 • 40 min 47 sec
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In this episode, Nancy is joined by Diego Napoles who has redefined what it means to be an educator, creating a stress-free, deeply engaging classroom. Diego shares the innovative strategies that have transformed his teaching—and the lives of his students. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss!
S2.Ep6: Empowering Futures: Preparing Students for Emerging Careers
• Oct 16, 2024 • 36 min 42 sec
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In this episode, Nancy explores how educators can create learning environments that not only teach but inspire, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to thrive in their future careers. For this conversation, Nancy is joined by ToniJo Niccoli.
S2.Ep.5: The Great Collaborative Classroom Makeover: Maximizing Engagement for All
• Oct 2, 2024 • 23 min 31 sec
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In this episode, Nancy is joined by School Specialty subject matter expert, Dr. Sue Ann Highland. Join them as they embark on a classroom revolution that will transform the way your students learn and interact.
S2.Ep.4: Classroom Hacks: Leveraging Student Strengths and Tech Tools for Success
• Sep 18, 2024 • 29 min 15 sec
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In this episode, join Nancy as she chats with Fletcher Nelson and Carolyn Kim to explore ways to streamline your planning, maximize your classroom time, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Whether you're a veteran teacher or just starting out, we hope these insights will help you approach the new year with confidence.
S2.Ep.3: From STEM to STEAM: A Conversation with Brooke Brown
• Sep 4, 2024 • 32 min 35 sec
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In this episode, join Nancy and our guest Brooke Brown as they explore how STEAM education is bridging the gap between classroom learning and real world innovation.
S2.Ep.2: The Power of Play: Transforming Classrooms with Play-Based Learning
• Aug 21, 2024 • 40 min 43 sec
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We’ve all heard of the phrase “play hard, work hard” right? But what if “playing” was part of the “work?”
In this episode, Nancy is joined by two School Specialty Subject Matter Experts, Kathy Decamps (PE) and Jennifer Fernandez (Early Childhood) and they dive into the world of Play-Based Learning. Together, they explore what play-based learning looks like across different age groups and highlight its transformative benefits for student engagement, social skills, and cognitive development.
S2.Ep.1: Back to School Magic: Classroom Setup Tips with @HappilyEverElementary
• Aug 7, 2024 • 35 min 41 sec
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For the first episode of the season two, Nancy is joined by the colorful and creative women behind @happilyeverelementary, Stephanie Osmunson & Loreal Hemenway! Check out their conversation about all things back to school!
Ep.21: Author Insights: Shannon Olsen on Writing, Teaching, and Books
• May 8, 2024 • 26 min 40 sec
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In this episode, Nancy is joined by Shannon Olsen, the author of “Our Class is a Family” and many more, to explore the enchanting world of children's literature.
Ep.20: How to Design Effective Student Intervention Programs and Environments
• Apr 24, 2024 • 31 min 49 sec
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In the dynamic realm of education, where every student's path is distinct, effective intervention programs shine as guiding lights, illuminating the route to success. In this episode, Nancy talks to Soo Goda and Nicole Hill about designing effective student intervention programs and environments.
Ep.19: Battling the Vaping Epidemic Among Students
• Apr 10, 2024 • 31 min 10 sec
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In this compelling episode, Nancy sits down with Marcella Bianco from CATCH Global Foundation to discuss how we can halt the vaping issue sweeping through our youth and how to address the pressures that this can put on educators.
Ep.18: Engagement Without Compromising Academic Rigor
• Mar 27, 2024 • 35 min 19 sec
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In today’s episode, Nancy is joined by Joe McCormick and Quyen Nicol, aka @topfloorteachers to talk about “Engagement Without Compromising Academic Rigor". Studies show that when students dive into activities that get their hands moving, they're not just engaged – they're absorbing information like sponges. Join us as we learn how to make learning exciting without sacrificing academic rigor.
Ep.17: Navigating AI Tools for Teachers
• Mar 13, 2024 • 32 min 52 sec
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Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has emerged as a groundbreaking force in our world within a relatively short span of time. With its increasing presence in educational settings, educators and students alike are confronted with a host of challenges, from embracing novel teaching methodologies to grappling with fears of job displacement and contending with complex issues like data privacy and algorithmic bias.
In this episode, Nancy will be talking about some of these integrations and opportunities with the queen of AI apps and programs, Emily Anderson Karst aka @Joyfulnoiseteaching.
Ep.16: Embracing Neurodiversity in Education
• Feb 28, 2024 • 34 min 13 sec
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In this episode, Nancy talks to Nichole Schlagel, current principal of the Academy of Arts and Knowledge, to chat through neurodiversity in schools and how it contributes unique threads that weave a rich and diverse learning experience for all.
Ep.15: Empowering Youth Through Career Tech Ed (CTE)
• Feb 14, 2024 • 35 min 59 sec
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Buckle up and get ready for an episode that will take you on an educational joyride that transforms students into the trailblazers of tomorrow, as we talk to Henri Crockett.
Ep.14: Hands On Learning Using Real Life Events
• Jan 31, 2024 • 34 min 59 sec
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It's time to turn the everyday into extraordinary learning opportunities! On this episode, Nancy is joined by Dr. Erica Colón and talk about encouraging and facilitating hands-on learning for students by leveraging real life events.
Ep.13: Helping Students Find Joy in Literacy and Numeracy
• Jan 17, 2024 • 39 min 25 sec
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To start the new year, Nancy is joined by Juan Edgar Gonzalez Jr. and Rebecka Peterson in Houston, Texas, for the Extra Yard For Teachers Summit, to discuss the love of literacy and numeracy!
Ep.12: The Joys of Teaching
• Dec 13, 2023 • 33 min 58 sec
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You are in for a treat with this special holiday episode! Nancy is joined by Jere Chang and Ty Cook to discuss the “Joys of Teaching” Get ready to be inspired and entertained as we dive into their hilarious and inspiring stories, unique teaching approaches, and the power of humor in education.
Ep.11: Creating Inclusive Early Childhood Spaces
• Nov 29, 2023 • 35 min 20 sec
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How do you create an inclusive early childhood space? Listen to the Schoolyard podcast with host Nancy Chung and experts Jennifer Fernandez and Cecilia Cruse MS, OTR/L. They discuss ways to create a purposeful, intentional environment that promotes both physical and emotional development, as well as ways to modify the space to encourage independence and inclusivity.
Ep.10: Let's Talk About Burnout and Staff Shortages
• Nov 08, 2023 • 33 min 43 sec
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In this episode, Nancy is joined by Dr. Richard Warren Jr. and discuss the teacher burnout and teacher shortages across the nation.
Ep.9: Sensory Spaces, Not Just for Students
• Oct 25, 2023 • 33 min 20 sec
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In this award winning episode, our guests Cecilia Cruse, Sue Ann Highland join Nancy to discuss the benefits of sensory spaces for both students and teachers and how to implement them into the classroom.
Ep.8: Healthy Teachers, Healthy Students.
• Oct 11, 2023 • 32 min 46 sec
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Physical well-being is crucial for teachers and students alike, as it directly impacts their overall performance and productivity. When teachers are healthy, they can effectively engage with their students and create a positive learning environment. Similarly, when students are physically fit, they can concentrate better and actively participate in classroom activities.
Ep.7: Adaptive Art. Art for All Students.
• Sep 27, 2023 • 29 min 37 sec
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Adaptive art is a wonderful way to bring people together through creativity and self-expression. It focuses on making art accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their abilities or limitations. Tune in to listen to Nancy chat with Susan Loesl, an Adaptive Art Specialist and Art Therapist.
Ep.6: How to Spark Parent Involvement and Fuel Family Engagement
• Sep 13, 2023 • 30 min 36 sec
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In this episode, Nancy and our guest Kimberly Gorellik discuss the benefits of family engagement and how it can fuel student learning.
Ep.5: Surprise Benefits of Robotics in Schools & Where to Start
• Aug 30, 2023 • 37 min 40 sec
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Imagine a classroom where students become inventors, engineers, and dreamers, all in one! In this episode Nancy and Naomi Hartl discuss robotics and how it's empowering young minds to think critically, problem-solve, and collaborate like never before.
Ep.4: Setting the Tone for Back to School
• Aug 09, 2023 • 34 min 12 sec
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Nancy, and guests Loreal Hemenway and Stephanie Osmunson, the educators behind @happilyeverelementary, are passionate about setting a positive tone for back to school time. In this episode, they discuss setting the tone for back to school and the significance of creating an inviting and inclusive classroom environment.
Ep.3: Extended Learning for Every Student
• Aug 09, 2023 • 25 min 06 sec
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In this episode, join Nancy as she discusses extended learning and its benefits for students with Nicole Hill from School Specialty.
Ep.2: Esports is Like a Magnet!
• Aug 09, 2023 • 23 min 10 sec
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Join Nancy and her guest Claire LaBeaux the Chief Marketing Officer at NASEF (the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations) as they dive into the exciting world of esports and why it's a game-changer in schools!
Ep.1: Wellness & Social Emotional Learning Spaces
• Aug 09, 2023 • 23 min 16 sec
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Creating a classroom environment that promotes social-emotional wellness and a sense of belonging is crucial for the overall development and success of students. When students feel like they belong, they are more likely to engage in their learning, build positive relationships with their peers, and develop a strong sense of self-worth. In this episode, Nancy chats with Dr. Sue Ann Highland, who is the National Education Strategist for School Specialty about building social emotional learning spaces.
Introducing The Schoolyard Podcast with Nancy Chung
• Jul 24, 2023 • 03 min 14 sec
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Welcome to the Schoolyard Podcast! A show created by educators for educators. Join our host, Nancy Chung, as we discuss topics that focus on subjects which cover a wide mix of areas across the education landscape. Learn new tips & tricks, stories from peers, hot topics, and answers to questions we’re all wondering through conversations between Nancy and our featured guests.
It's Time for Science Podcast Archive
It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 22: Fostering Safe Hands-On Science Environments
• Apr 14, 2025 • 54 min 10 sec
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It's Time for Science, and it's time to talk again fostering safeR hands-on science environments! Tom talks to safety expert Dr. Kenneth R. Roy (Director of Environmental Health & Safety for Glastonbury Public Schools in Connecticut) and 2025 Paul deHart Hurd Award winner Kenneth L. Huff!
It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 21: Implementation Strategies
• Mar 17, 2025 • 33 min 33 sec
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It's Time for Science, and it's time to talk again about implementing elementary science effectively! Tom talks with the team from the Syracuse City School District about what they've done to have such a successful implementation of the FOSS Program.
It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 20: Outdoor Learning: Taking FOSS Outdoors
• Feb 18, 2025 • 42 min 59 sec
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It's Time for Science, and it's time to talk again about science learning outdoors! Host Tom Racine talks with Dr. April Holton and educator Elisa Slee about outdoor professional learning and the value of getting both kids and teachers outside.
It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 19: FOSS Pathways Awarded Design Review Badge
• Jan 20, 2025 • 51 min 02 sec
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It's Time for Science is back in 2025 to celebrate being FOSS awarded a design review badge by Johns Hopkins University! Host Tom Racine talks with Dr. Steven Ross and Dr. Alan Reid from Johns Hopkins, before having a conversation with FOSS director Linda De Lucchi.
It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 18: STEM Learning
• Nov 11, 2024 • 45 min 11 sec
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In this new episode of the It’s Time for Science podcast, host Tom Racine chats with teacher Stacy Gale and science communicator Dr. Alex Dainis. They discuss STEM education and the importance of getting girls and women involved.
It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 17: ELD and Science Instruction
• Oct 21, 2024 • 31 min 06 sec
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This month on It's Time for Science, it's time to talk about ELD (English language development) and science instruction! Host Tom Racine talks with Diana B. Vélez and Veronica Gallardo.
It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 16: The Science of Reading
• Sep 24, 2024 • 29 min 16 sec
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This month on It's Time for Science, it's time to talk about the science of reading! Host Tom Racine talks with Leslie Lausten, M. Ed and Dr. Jennifer Slavick, Ed. D., authors of the whitepaper FOSS Enhances the Science of Reading Through Knowledge Building.
It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 15: Implementation Strategies with FOSS®, The Full Option Science System™
• Aug 26, 2024 • 28 min 12 sec
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This month on It’s Time for Science, it’s time to talk about Implementation Strategies! Host Tom Racine talks with Nicole Krefting who is the Elementary Curriculum Coordinator for Grand Forks Public Schools in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Tom and Nicole discuss tips on Implementation strategies and steps needed when implementing a full science curriculum.
It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 14: Back to School Readiness
• Jul 22, 2024 • 46 min 41 sec
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This month on It's Time for Science, it's time to talk about going back to school! Host Tom Racine talks with Dr. Anne Farley Schoeffler, the president of the National Middle Level Science Teachers Association, and award-winning outside educator Rachel Arbor.
It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 13: Summer Science at Home - Nature Journaling
• Jun 24, 2024 • 51 min 16 sec
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This month on It's Time for Science, it's time to talk about summer science at home and nature journaling! Host Tom Racine talks with John Muir Laws, a principal innovator in the global nature journaling movement, and outside educator Erica Beck Spencer.
It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 12: Student Engagement with Hands-On Science
• May 24, 2024 • 37 min 30 sec
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This month on It's Time for Science, we talk with a very special guest about student engagement. Host Tom Racine talks with award winning science communicator, the Hip Hop M.D., Maynard Okereke!
It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 11: Social and Emotional Learning
• Apr 23, 2024 • 38 min 20 sec
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This month on It's Time for Science, it's time to talk about social and emotional learning (SEL)! Host Tom Racine talks with Dr. Kenneth Wesson, a consultant on the science of education, learning, and the brain, and Ilyse Opas, Independent Educational Consultant specializing in SEL.
It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 10: Community Engagement and Citizen Scientists
• Mar 19, 2024 • 40 min 19 sec
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This month on It's Time for Science, it's time to talk about community engagement and citizen scientists! Host Tom Racine talks with Dr. Mwenda KudumuBiggs from the Fleet Science Center and Emma Giles from SciStarter.
It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 9: Extended Learning Opportunities
• Feb 20, 2024 • 33 min 52 sec
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This month on It's Time for Science, it's time for extended learning! Host Tom Racine talks with Dr. Bryan Méndez about the upcoming solar eclipse and Erica Beck Spencer about getting kids outside.
It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 8: Equity in Science Education, Part 2
• Jan 29, 2024 • 34 min 42 sec
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Welcome to It's Time for Science! For our first episode of 2024, host Tom Racine continues our conversation on equity in science education! Tom talks with Meagan Sternberg, a K-12 Science Instructional Coach in Oregon, and Channon Jackson, a Program Director at the Alameda County Office of Education.
It's Time for Science Podcast Episode 7: Equity in Science Education
• Nov 27, 2023 • 48 min 21 sec
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This month on It's Time for Science, host Tom Racine talks about equity in science education with Claudio Vargas and Holly Gil.
It's Time for Science Podcast Episode 6: Getting Families Involved in Science
• Oct 23, 2023 • 46 min 02 sec
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It’s Time for Science! This episode Tom talks with Leonor Rebosura from Newark Unified School District and Kimberly Astle from the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. We also remember FOSS co-director, Larry Malone.
It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 5: Taking Science Outdoors
• Sep 19, 2023 • 31 min 37 sec
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It’s Time for Science--outdoors! At the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) conference in Atlanta (March 2023), host Tom Racine interviewed two amazing educators about the importance of going outside when you teach.
It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 4: Comics in the Classroom
• Aug 22, 2023 • 1 hr 04 min 55 sec
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For this episode of It's Time for Science, we went to the world-renowned San Diego Comic Convention! We looked high and low for folks to talk with about the importance of science education and graphic novels, and it turns out it was super easy to find people on the same page!
It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 3: Back to School With Science
• Jul 24, 2023 • 54 min 16 sec
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In this episode of It’s Time For Science, we're talking about going back to school (yes, already!). Host Tom Racine talks with education leader Rosanna Ayers and is joined in a road table discussion with instructional coach Laruen Brown and curriculum developer Brian Campbell.
It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 2: Teaching Inspirations and Exploring the Galaxy
• Jun 27, 2023 • 1 hr 01 min 57 sec
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For this episode of It’s Time For Science, we're going to space! Host Tom Racine talks with science teacher Dave Curry, winner of the NMLSTA Paul DeHart Hurd Award and renowned astrophysicist Dr. Erika Hamden from the University of Arizona.
It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 1: Educator Insights from NSTA
• May 22, 2023 • 40 min 23 sec
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Welcome to the very first episode of It’s Time for Science! We are creating a podcast aimed directly at the amazing and wonderful science teachers, educators and administrators out there, from Pre-K thru High School, who are engaging students and fostering curiosity about the world around them. We start off with a fantastic round table discussion with three educators from South Carolina: Yolanda Bennett, Ed Emmer, and Felipe AndreSilva.