Teaching and Learning: Theory vs. Practice

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Tanya Baker, the director of national programs at the National Writing Project. In this role, Dr. Baker builds and manages national programs that connect educators to work together on areas of interest and problems of practice.  We discuss current problems of practice and strategize ways to rejuvenate teachers and teaching. Dr. Baker also shares a number of resources for personal and professional growth.Referenced in this podcast:Gawande, Atul (2008). Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance.Rami, Meenoo (2014). Thrive: 5 Ways to (Re)Invigorate Your Teaching.Baker-Doyle, Kira J., Wasley, Patricia A., Lieberman, Ann, McDonald, Joseph (2011). The Networked Teacher: How New Teachers Build Social Networks for

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Paul Zionts, the dean of the College of Education at DePaul University. Dr. Zionts talks about his entry point into the education profession and the craft of teaching. He explains his role as dean in the curricular revision and alignment to new state standards. We also discuss teacher recruitment and retention.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Carleton Brown, the school counselor program coordinator in the Educational Psychology and Special Services department of the College of Education at the University of Texas at El Paso. Dr. Brown discusses the more student-centered focus in the American School Counselor Association framework model. He also explains what collaboration looks like among school counselors and teachers and how his school counselor program prepares candidates to be collaborative educators.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Jeremy Coleman, the Principal of Brookview Elementary School in Indianapolis, Indiana. Drawing upon his experiences with mentoring youth, serving as a correctional officer, coaching, and teaching, Dr. Coleman discusses how theory met practice in his approach as a school administrator. He shares strategies for retention through teachers self-selecting professional development and having a strong sense of community. We also discuss ideas for improving the theory and practice connection in educator preparation. Referenced in this podcastGreene, Ross (2014). Lost at School: Why Our Kids with Behavioral Challenges are Falling Through the Cracks and How We Can Help ThemKohn, Alfie (1999). Punished by Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A's, Praise, and Other BribesYale University Child Study Center (2016). A RESEARCH STUDY BRIEF: Do Early Educators’ Implicit Biases Regarding Sex and Race Relate to Behavior Expectations and Recommendations of Preschool Expulsions and Suspensions? Walter S. Gilliam, PhD; Angela N. Maupin, PhD; Chin R. Reyes, PhD; Maria Accavitti, BS; Frederick Shic, PhD

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Tonya Perry who is the Professor of Secondary English Education and serves as the Executive Director for GEAR UP Alabama and the Red Mountain Writing Project at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Perry discusses the relationship building as foundational for tough conversations. She shares poignant stories from co-writing Teaching for Racial Equity, facilitating professional development, and being Teacher of the Year.  Dr. Perry offers strategies for having meaningful conversations. Referenced in this podcastPerry, Tonya; Zemelman, Steve; Smith, Katy (2022). Teaching for Racial EquityBecoming Interrupters.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Gary Higham, Associate Director of Clinical Experiences, Student teaching, and partnerships at Illinois State University. Dr. Higham describes available teacher education program pathways at Illinois State University, which serves as a large-scale model for smaller, regional institutions such as Governors State University.  We discuss possible challenges in finding field experience placements for so many students. Dr. Higham explains the “pay it forward” mentality that keeps educator preparation programs going and the incentives that districts and universities can use to attract mentors to new teacher development.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Crystal Harris, Assistant Professor and Interdisciplinary Studies Program Coordinator.  Dr. Harris explains the civic responsibility of being involved, even in small ways, with addressing injustices. Dr. Harris discusses actions we can take to be civically engaged, as well as the resources available for faculty and students to see curriculum through a civic lens.

In this episode, we talk to Mr. Fred Yeakey, Vice President of Providence Cristo Rey High School in Indianapolis. Mr. Yeakey shares his journey becoming an educator and bringing his gifts of mentorship, sponsorship, and service into his roles coordinating after school programs, teaching in the classroom, and later being an administrator. We talk about reviving passion through our talents and hobbies and how we might bring this joy into the curriculum. Most importantly, we discuss the power of relationships with students, parents, and community.Referenced in this podcastPrincipal Barberfredrickyeakey.com

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Phyllis West, Director of the Social Justice Initiative at Governors State University. Dr. West discusses the importance of listening for opportunities, being curious, and doing what may seem most challenging.  She talks about staying connected with friends, family, and teachers from her youth and shares the lasting power of words, particularly from her 3rd and 4th grade teachers, that shaped who she would become. We also discuss the mission and vision for the Social Justice Initiative with its first tremendous step to coordinate a legal clinic.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Ahmet Can, Assistant Professor in the Division of Psychology and Counseling at Governors State University.  Dr. Can discusses the post-pandemic shift into e-learning and other methods to increase accessibility to academic and health services. We talk about the advantages and disadvantages of face-to-face versus the virtual platform for assessing students’ mental, social, and physical health.  Dr. Can shares strategies for meeting students’ where they are and raising awareness for teachers who are searching for the appropriate resources to meet students’ needs.

In this episode, we talk to Staff Sergeant and Corporal Dwayne Brown about his role as a school resource officer. Corporal Brown discusses the importance of developing positive relationships with students and staff. He talks about ways in which school resource officers humanize the badge with friendly greetings and participating in school events.  We also discuss strategies for working with school resource officers.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Darrell Griffin, Senior Pastor, Spiritual Director, Published Author, Certified Ministry Coach and Enneagram Trainer. Dr. Griffin explains the difference between Myers-Briggs Personality Test and the Enneagram and how the Enneagram analysis can help us discover purpose, direction, balance, and healing. Dr. Joi and Dr. Amy completed enneagram profiles prior to the show, and Dr. Griffin performs an on-air analysis of our test results. Referenced in this podcastBuilding a Better You (2021)What is the Enneagram?

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Beverly Schneller, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Governors State University, about her journey to leadership.  Provost Schneller discusses how her openness to opportunities led to early roles as administrator and professor. She emphasizes the importance of continued professional growth and improvement to stretch into the desired position. Dr. Schneller also shares strategies for advancing one’s career through a spirit of inquiry of listening, asking questions, and learning.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Mikkaka Overstreet, consultant with Education Northwest, former literacy professor at the University of Louisville and East Carolina University, and primary grades teacher.  Dr. Overstreet talks about her love for reading and the importance of surrounding children with books that offer both mirrors of themselves and windows into the lives and experiences of others.  We discuss the importance of school administration as literacy leaders and the buy in necessary for elevating the teaching profession.  Dr. Overstreet also shares strategies for being more culturally responsive in small but intentional ways.Referenced in this episodeIt's Not "One More Thing": Culturally Responsive and Affirming Strategies in K-12 Literacy Classrooms by Anne Swenson Ticknor, Christy Howard, Mikkaka OverstreetBlog — Dr. Mikkaka (drmikkaka.com)Mikkaka Overstreet, Author at BOOK RIOTMarch 2019 Working paper: Working papers - TeachingWorksERIC - EJ1196742 - Engaging Preservice Teachers with Culturally Responsive Pedagogy: Three Model Lessons for Teacher Educators, Journal of Language and Literacy Education, 2018

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Janelle Crowley, Chief of Staff at Governors State University.  Dr. Crowley shares her experiences with hearing but not accepting “no” in spite of her struggles with hearing loss. She tells about the positive encouragement she received from many teachers and professors that inspired her career trajectory, as well as the disheartening stories of barriers and discouragement from others.  We talk about the awareness and intentionality in helping students with different abilities feel included and capable.  Dr. Crowley discusses her role at Governors State University and the many exciting initiatives in the works for the future.

In this episode, we talk to Mr. Rann Miller, a Diversity in Ed staff writer, published author, and high school social science teacher. Mr. Miller shares his experiences as an education researcher and writer to advocate for improving the teaching landscape.  We talk about the reasons for the increasing disparity in representation of educators who look like the students in their classrooms.  Mr. Miller discusses his research and ways we might improve teacher retention.  He also previews his upcoming book Resistance Stories from Black History for Kids - children’s book with notes and resources.Referenced in episodeResistance Stories from Black History for KidsDiversity in Ed Teacher Urbanmixtapehttps://www.rannmiller.com/

The Teaching & Learning: Theory vs Practice podcast atGovernors State University celebrates Black HistoryMonth through displaying 28 days of Black voicesthrough the lens of scholars and educators.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Cheryl Green about year one as the president of Governors State University. She discusses the ten tenets and seven masters for leading the university and the balanced focus on students, staff, faculty,  and administration. She also shares her vision for enhancing GSU as the Jewel of the Southland in year two.Referenced in podcast:Episode 28: Aged-Out Foster Youth with Mr. Nicholas Neal

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Gholdy Muhammad about her book Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy. She shares the importance of knowing and honoring one’s own and the students’ historical identities. We also discuss the practical applications for this framework in and outside of education, as well as her inspiration for writing this book.

In this episode, we talk to Ms. Lisa Harrell about her role as chair of Governors State University’s Board of Trustees and how a board functions. She discusses her work as a human resources executive, entrepreneurial organization founder, and education advocate. We also discuss the importance of finding an employment culture that aligns to one’s passions. Referenced in the podcastThe Map of Meaningful Work: A Practical Guide to Sustaining our Humanity by Marjolein Lips-Wiersma (Author), Lani Morris (Author)