The need for remote learning in the face of school closures and indefinite social distancing is greater than ever. But what does it look like? How do we achieve quality teaching and learning and connect with students and families in meaningful ways?

We walk that road in this episode by providing 4 principles and several tools and strategies to support your remote learning needs.

And as always, we are here to help if this content isn't enough by itself. Visit cbdconsulting.com/elevateedu to connect with our resources or contact us directly!

Teaching skills effectively is an ongoing challenge for educators of all levels. A large part of the challenge stems from the confusion of defining the skill and determining what it actually looks like in the classroom. Critical thinking is no exception.

For this episode, the Communications by Design team of instructional coaches investigates how to teach critical thinking, presenting a series of strategies and ideas from educators doing just that and doing it well.

Our team works to support K-12 educators in instruction, technology, and more. We host Project-Based Learning training events, provide online courses on topics like how to teach skills, and provide direct, 1:1 coaching for educators anywhere (in-person or virtually). Find more about our services and resources at cbdconsulting.com/elevateedu

Posing the question of what to do about the ongoing epidemic of under-motivated students, the Communications by Design team of instructional coaches posed the question to a number of compelling West Michigan educators. Listen to this concise treatise on leveraging powerful instructional strategies to re-engage and re-motivate students.

You heard him first on episode 22 discussing his work to grow empathy in students by sharing student stories. David Theune has now returned from the Netherlands where he, as a Fulbright Scholarship recipient in 2018, began an international expansion of his vision for sharing story. 

That experience has influenced David in several ways, both in the solidification and expansion of past and present thinking. Listen as David talks with Zach about the experience in the Netherlands and the impact it has and will continue to have on his work with students and other educators.

Follow David's work and the international Share Chair Podcast:

• David on Twitter: @davidtheune | Email: [email protected]
• The Share Chair Podcast: @sharechairpod
• Listen to the Share Chair Podcast: soundcloud.com/thesharechairpodcast

And remember, David's call is for others to join him in taking up this mantle, the noble work of giving students voice and growing empathy. Connect with David to get involved.

We asked 3 leading educators what they thought about teaching and learning and the purpose of the education experience. Listen here to the insightful and profound reflections of Tracy Horodyski, Dave Stuart Jr. (davestuartjr.com), and Luke Wilcox as they dive deep into the reality of education, the world, and our students today.

Connect with these educators at:

• Tracy: twitter.com/tracyhorodyski
• Dave: davestuartjr.com
• Luke: lukewilcox.org | statsmedic.com

The Communications by Design team of instructional coaches is always interested in connecting with and supporting you in your goals to grow teaching and learning practices. We coach educators in all things instruction and technology and offer a wide array of services such as project-based learning events and support, online learning courses, virtual coaching and consulting, and much more.

Find everything at cbdconsulting.com/elevateedu

Laingsburg, Michigan teachers Becky Malaski and Liz Stark were tired of the “grading game” and wondered if their students’ grades really reflected their learning.  So, they ditched grades! Now, students work harder than they ever have and are focused on mastery--not completion or compliance.  Becky and Liz share the strategies they have implemented to give students more choice, more ownership of their learning, and more quality feedback on their work. 

Click here for teacher resources

Connect with Liz and Becky: 

[email protected]

[email protected]

Our team of instructional coaches is available to help ANY teacher, ANYwhere. Learn more or just peruse our other resources (blogs, classes, monthly newsletter) and services (events, virtual support, quick chats or calls) at cbdconsulting.com/elevateEDU

Maggie Edison teaches high school math in East Grand Rapids, Michigan.  She became frustrated when students would leave questions on assessments blank when she knew they had at least some knowledge of the concept.  From this, her differentiated, leveled assessments were born which allow students to demonstrate understanding at multiple levels.

See some examples of Maggie's assessments at cbdconsulting.com/episode84

Connect with Maggie via email: [email protected]

Our team of instructional coaches is available to help ANY teacher, ANYwhere. Learn more or just peruse our other resources (blogs, classes, monthly newsletter) and services (events, virtual support, quick chats or calls) at cbdconsulting.com/elevateEDU

How do we tell the story of the great things happening in our classrooms?  Dr. Christina Podraza, an assistant principal in Elmhurst, Illinois, shares how she celebrates teachers and students with the world beyond the school doors while building a positive, professional, and energized environment.  

Connect with Christina: 

Twitter: @christinapod

Blog: christinapodraza.com

Our team of instructional coaches is available to help ANY teacher, ANYwhere. Learn more or just peruse our other resources (blogs, classes, monthly newsletter) and services (events, virtual support, quick chats or calls) at cbdconsulting.com/elevateEDU

Tasha Candela ([email protected] and @bethetigger) started a student internship program at Lake Shore High School four years ago with just three students.  Since then, the program has grown to 56 participants, connecting students with businesses in the community and providing authentic experiences in various career fields.  Tasha shares how she started the program and the elements that have made it successful. 

Our team of instructional coaches is available to help ANY teacher, ANYwhere. Learn more or just peruse our other resources (blogs, classes, monthly newsletter) and services (events, virtual support, quick chats or calls) at cbdconsulting.com/elevateEDU.

Michael Budziak is a K-5 STEM teacher in Gibraltar, Michigan. He shares the process he uses to foster design, engineering, technology, and problem-solving skills in his students through creative, hands-on projects that connect with the content being learned in the classroom. 

Connect with Mike via email at [email protected].

Our team of instructional coaches is available to help ANY teacher, ANYwhere. Learn more or just peruse our other resources (blogs, classes, monthly newsletter) and services (events, virtual support, quick chats or calls) at cbdconsulting.com/elevateEDU

 *Don't miss your chance to win a gift card by sharing a challenge from your classroom (there's a chance we will feature it on an upcoming episode!). Call 616-965-6606 and leave us a message. (Or email us at [email protected])* 

You first heard Dayna Cantu, a 5th grade teacher in Delton Kellogg Schools, on episode 70 where she shared about her student-centered classroom.  In this episode, Dayna shares how she started a classroom makerspace (on a limited budget) that empowers her students to be creators while still connecting to the curriculum and the real world.

Connect with Dayna on twitter (@mrscantu5) or email ([email protected]). 

Our team of instructional coaches is available to help ANY teacher, ANYwhere. Learn more or just peruse our other resources (blogs, classes, monthly newsletter) and services (events, virtual support, quick chats or calls) at cbdconsulting.com/elevateEDU