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In the final episode of Season 5: Changemakers, you will meet Lisa Brown, a veteran educator in the Nauset Regional School District on Cape Cod. You’ll learn about how she created a course called Exploring and Respecting Differences 22 years ago, long before similar courses were more popular in schools.  Learn more about the Teacher Collaborative at theteachercollaborative.org. Or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @TheTeacherCoLab.  . 

Bringing the real world into the classroom is a common enough goal, but - bees? For math teacher Benadette Manning, bringing a living bee hive into her classroom to support math teaching was only one of the many ways she has connected students to authentic learning experiences over the course of her career. In this episode of The Teacher Collaborative’s podcast, we’ll hear about how high school math can be brought to life with daring classroom changes—from building tiny houses to Button Algebra to bees. Learn more about the Teacher Collaborative at theteachercollaborative.org. Or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @TheTeacherCoLab. 

In episode 3 of season 5 of The Teacher Collaborative podcast, teacher Marcie Day from Seacoast High School in Revere (@marcielday) shares her work to create restorative justice and competency-based education programming that includes one magic ingredient that is all too often overlooked: student agency. Marcie shares her journey as a classroom teacher, coach and collaborator and how empowering students has sparked her passion for being part of school change. Learn more about the Teacher Collaborative at theteachercollaborative.org. Or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @TheTeacherCoLab. 

In Episode 2 of this season of The Teacher Collaborative podcast, you’ll meet Devin Morris co-founder and Executive Director at The Teachers’ Lounge (www.theteachersloungma.org), along with Boston Public Schools Pre-K teacher and new board member at The Teachers’ Lounge, Chantei Alves. Devin and Chantei share how they knew The Teachers’ Lounge, which offers programming and spaces for teachers of color to connect, was something teachers needed. They share how the idea developed over time and what’s next as The Teachers’ Lounge looks to the future.   Learn more about the Teacher Collaborative at theteachercollaborative.org. Or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @TheTeacherCoLab. 

Meet Marta Garcia, Multilingual Educator at Witchcraft Heights Elementary School in Salem, MA, and the 2022 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. Learn about Marta's journey as an immigrant to the United States and how that experience informs her teaching and relationship-building with her students.  Learn more about the Teacher Collaborative at theteachercollaborative.org. Or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @TheTeacherCoLab. 

Coming soon: Season 5 of The Teacher Collaborative Podcast features teachers from across Massachusetts who have made change in their classrooms, schools, and beyond. Find yourself in their stories and be inspired!

In Episode 8, 2021 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year Jennifer Hedrington shares the power of lived experience in informing teaching and professional practice. She shares how her experiences as a student and early-career teacher shaped her approach to teaching and inclusivity. Jennifer concludes by asking teacher-in-residence Randyl Wilkerson about how she connects with teachers and learns about their lived experience through her own teaching role. Learn more about the Teacher Collaborative at theteachercollaborative.org. Or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @TheTeacherCoLab. 

In episode 7, Garceline Champagne, a Humanities & ESL teacher and coach at Boston Adult Technical Academy, shares her experience with teacher coaching and evaluation, and her passion as a freedom fighter in leading conversations around racism at both her school and her daughter’s school. Garcie ends the episode by asking teacher-in-residence Randyl Wilkerson about how she uses The Teacher Collaborative's social media channels as platforms for teachers. Learn more about the Teacher Collaborative at theteachercollaborative.org. Or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @TheTeacherCoLab. 

In Episode 6, Dana Vera, a high school math teacher at Prospect Hill Academy Charter School in Somerville, shares her path to teaching, her approaches to teaching math as art and providing actionable feedback to students, and how the imposter syndrome gets in the way of teachers sharing their expertise.  She explores the double-edged sword of perfectionism and shares examples of fostering a love for mathematics among her students as they interpret their world. Dana also asks host Brad Clark, the Manager of Teacher Engagement at The Teacher Collaborative, about co-designing professional learning with teachers versus designing professional development for teachers. Learn more about the Teacher Collaborative at theteachercollaborative.org. Or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @TheTeacherCoLab. 

In Episode 5, Brigitte Leschhorn, an English teacher at Phillips Academy in Andover, talks about the links between better assessment practices, student mastery, and culturally sustaining practices. She shares her journey from English major to English teacher, reflects on the complexities of teacher expertise as a female educator of color, and advocates for teacher self-care. And, Brigitte asks host Brad Clark, the Manager of Teacher Engagement at The Teacher Collaborative, about how the organization measures success. Learn more about the Teacher Collaborative at theteachercollaborative.org. Or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @TheTeacherCoLab. 

In Episode 4, Raks Derival, a high school Science teacher at Innovation Academy Charter School in Tyngsboro shares her journey to becoming a teacher, her love of green chemistry, and how “good teaching” is actually culturally responsive teaching. She shares samples of ways she engages students, even during remote and hybrid teaching, along with her class motto that ensures each student knows they are valued and loved. And, Raks asks host Kat Johnston, the Manager of Professional Learning at The Teacher Collaborative, about the origins of Co-Labs and how bringing teachers together to collaborate, problem solve, and lead is the foundation of the organization’s work.  Learn more about the Teacher Collaborative at theteachercollaborative.org. Or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @TheTeacherCoLab. 

In Episode 3, Christina Balkaran, a high school Math Transformation Coach at Madison Park Vocational Technical High School in Boston, talks about assessment and how this often loaded and cringe-worthy term is really just information. She shares her own experiences as a student, teacher, and now a coach in reflecting on the bright spots and areas of opportunity data provides. Stay tuned at the end when Christina asks Kat Johnston, The Teacher Collaborative’s Manager of Professional Learning, about her time working at the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Learn more about the Teacher Collaborative at theteachercollaborative.org. Or follow us on Twitter and Instagram@TheTeacherCoLab. 

In Episode 2, Francis Pina, a math teacher at Charlestown High School in Boston, talks about the importance of adopting a reflective mindset in the classroom and beyond. Francis shares his teacher leadership journey and reflects on how it feels to be in leadership roles—particularly as an educator of color. And Francis asks host Maria Fenwick, the founder and ED of The Teacher Collaborative, about the organization’s early days. Learn more about the Teacher Collaborative at theteachercollaborative.org. Or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @TheTeacherCoLab. 

In Episode 1, Takeru Nagayoshi, a high school English and Research teacher in New Bedford and the 2020 MA Teacher of the Year, talks with Teacher Collaborative Founder and Executive Director Maria Fenwick about defining teacher leadership, being a state-recognized educator, and applying advice from spin class to teaching. Stay tuned until the end when TK asks Maria how the Teacher Collaborative supports teacher leadership, and how she transitioned from being a teacher to launching a non-profit. Learn more about the Teacher Collaborative at theteachercollaborative.org. Or follow us on Twitter and Instagram @TheTeacherCoLab. 

This season, we're tackling what it means to be a teacher leader. How do educators recognize, cultivate, and share their expertise? Find out on May 4. 

Listen to educator mentors and hosts of “Real Talk, Real Time” Chandra Joseph-Lacet and Gorgette Green-Hodnett discuss what teachers are feeling and needing through the pandemic, along with special education teacher & mentor coordinator Alison Sheedy and second grade teacher Julia Haidar. Teachers need to be supported now more than ever. Learn what that means to this diverse group of guests: What are they looking for? How are they supporting themselves and their colleagues? In the final episode of Season 3, we hope you can listen and reflect: What do you need? And how can you make sure you get it? Chandra Joseph-Lacet is a New Teacher Developer with Boston Public Schools, and the CEO of CJ Education Consulting. You can find her on Instagram. Gorgette Green-Hodnett is an Instructional Resource Teacher at General Smallwood Middle School in Maryland. You can find her on Instagram. Alison Sheedy is a special education teacher and Mentor Program/Onboarding Coordinator for Atlantis Charter School in Fall River.  Julia Haidar is a second-grade special education teacher at Atlantis Charter School.  You can learn more about the Teacher Collaborative at theteachercollaborative.org and on social media @TheTeacherCoLab. 

Schools are unique because they engage so many different stakeholders and are often integral parts of the communities that they inhabit. In this episode, we talk to education organizers from Teach Western MA and the Cambridge Equity Collaborative about what it is like to really make a school an inclusive, culturally responsive space. @TeachWesternMA on Twitter and Instagram @CambridgeEquityCollaborative on Instagram Irene Hill is a student in Cambridge, a member of the Cambridge Youth Council, and the Youth Coordinator for the Equity Collaborative.  Emie Michaud Weinstock is the Equity Collaborative's Healing, Wellness, and Thriving Coordinator, and a core organizer of the Cambridge Families of Color Coalition (CFCC). You can find her on Twitter @Emie_MW.  Matt Dunkel is an instructional coach at Vassal Lane Upper School, and the Equity Collaborative's Process Coordinator. He's on Twitter @MattDunkel. Alicia Thomas is the Manager of Teacher Development for the Teach Western Mass Residency Program.  You can find more about the Teacher Collaborative at theteachercollaborative.org and @TheTeacherCoLab on social media. 

In this bonus episode, Teacher Collaborative team members read educators’ submissions about what’s going well so far in the 2020-21 school year.  What’s going well for you? What are you proud of? Our team would love to know and celebrate along with you. Tell us about it or shout out a colleague by submitting this quick form.

Our episode title may be a tongue twister, but the work of developing project-based learning doesn’t have to be. Listen now to tap into how project-based learning is fueled by a teacher’s passion, a community’s fervor, and, well, a few other key nuts and bolts (we can’t give it all away!).  Supported by the Shah Family Foundation, Passion to Teach is a fellowship for Boston Public Schools teachers. Want to learn more about our guests’ projects and other examples of project-based learning? Follow us on social media @theteachercolab! Luisa Sparrow teaches special education at the Perry School in South Boston.  She first got involved with Community Based Instruction (CBI) through the BTU Inquiry Project, and has continued to develop CBI opportunities for her students through the Passion to Teach fellowship. Luisa worked in Texas, Costa Rica, Delaware, and Philadelphia prior to moving to Boston, and she has road tripped in every state except Alaska. Find her on LinkedIn and follow her on Instagram @luisiana1803. Jason Wise teaches Theater Arts at the Haley Pilot School in Roslindale, where he creates original performance pieces and productions that allow students to explore the intersection of history and social justice through an artistic lens. A 16-year BPS veteran, he has also worked extensively with Facing History and Ourselves, Discovering Justice, and the Judge David S. Nelson Fellowship.  Marvin Vilma is a facilitator with the Teacher Collaborative, primarily supporting teachers in the Passion To Teach program. Marvin was a classroom teacher at an independent school and continues to teach part-time at Milton Academy’s Saturday Course program where he pilots new curriculum on leadership and entrepreneurship. You can find him on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. 

What does anti-racist teaching really look like? In Episode 2, teachers Masha Stine, of Lawrence Public Schools, and Stacey DeCotis, of Hanover Public Schools, share their personal anti-racist teaching journeys, lessons learned, and approaches to anti-racist pedagogy. Are you on your own anti-racist journey? Check out Masha and Stacey’s activities and other teacher-created materials in the Art of Anti-Racisting Teaching Co-Lab. Masha is a high school math teacher in Lawrence Public Schools. She has worked with groups such as Boston Public Schools Office of Equity, Boston Educators for Equity and DIY Coaching Boston to increase awareness and knowledge of implicit bias, anti-racist teaching, and culturally responsive teaching. Connect on LinkedIn to continue the conversation or follow her on Instagram @mashaklostine to follow her model ship building! Stacey is a 5th grade ELA teacher in a middle school on the South Shore. She believes that “reading is an act of empathy” and all kids should see themselves in books. She is an avid reader of KidLit and believes inclusive literature can start anti-racist conversations in the classroom. Find her on Twitter @readinginthemg, on Instagram @readinginthemiddlegrades, and at www.readinginthemiddlegrades.com.