Explore every episode of the podcast The Making Schools Work Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| Special Announcement: Season 2 Changes | 09 Jul 2025 | 00:11:31 | |
In this short announcement, Ashley and Dan sit down to talk about all of the exciting changes coming to the podcast in the fall. Season 2 has a lot of big changes, but each change is just to make it bigger and better for you. Plus, we talk about the Season 2 preview episodes we will be releasing during the 2025 Making Schools Work Conference from July 14-18. The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Summer AI Series: Teaching Students to Use AI Ethically and Effectively | 08 Jul 2025 | 00:41:15 | |
In this final episode of season one, Ashley Shaw and guest Leslie Eaves, SREB’s director of project-based learning, explore Pillar 4 of SREB’s Guidance for the Use of AI in the K12 Classroom: ethical and proficient student use of AI. Ashley and Leslie discuss why it's not enough for educators to simply use AI—we need to help students use it responsibly, too. From media literacy to writing support to prompt engineering, this episode explores the skills students need to succeed with AI now and in the future. 🧩 Topics include:
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The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Summer AI Series: Using AI to Support Personalized Learning | 01 Jul 2025 | 00:39:40 | |
Part of our summer series on SREB’s Guidance for the Use of AI in the K12 Classroom In this episode, Ashley talks with Leslie Eaves, SREB’s director of project-based learning, about how AI can support personalized learning. They dig into what it really means to differentiate in today’s classrooms and how teachers can use AI tools to give students tools to use at home, create custom learning plans and much more. Topics covered:
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The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Summer AI Series: Using AI to Help Streamline Teachers' Administrative and Planning Tasks | 24 Jun 2025 | 00:43:23 | |
Part of our summer series on SREB’s Guidance for the Use of AI in the K12 Classroom In this episode, host Ashley Shaw is joined by Leslie Eaves, SREB’s director of project-based learning, to talk about Pillar 2: Using AI to streamline teacher administrative and planning work. This conversation dives into practical, real-world ways teachers are using AI to save time—without giving up professional judgment. From parent emails to lesson planning to the elephant in the room (grading), Ashley and Leslie discuss where AI can actually make a difference and where it shouldn’t replace human thinking. 🎯 Topics covered:
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The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Summer AI Series: Designing Cognitively Demanding Tasks With Help From AI | 17 Jun 2025 | 00:49:13 | |
In this episode of Class-Act Coaching, we dive into Pillar 1 of SREB’s Guidance for the Use of AI in the K12 Classroom—using AI to design cognitively demanding tasks that engage students in deep, meaningful learning. Ashley is joined again by Leslie Eaves, SREB’s project-based learning program director, to talk about what makes a task truly cognitively demanding (hint: it’s about thinking, not just doing), and how AI tools can help teachers brainstorm, plan and scaffold rich learning experiences. We cover practical ways to use AI for lesson design, what to watch out for and why starting with your standards is key. Whether you’ve read the report or not, this episode is packed with actionable ideas you can try right away.
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The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Summer AI Series: How to Get Started With AI in the K-12 Classroom | 09 Jun 2025 | 00:37:05 | |
In this kickoff episode of our special summer series, Ashley Shaw sits down with Leslie Eaves, SREB's project-based learning director and a key member of the SREB Commission on AI in Education, to explore the new, free report: Guidance for the Use of AI in the K12 Classroom. Whether you’re AI-curious or already experimenting, this episode is your entry point into making AI a helpful tool—not a headache—in your classroom. What We Cover:
Download the Free Report: And for the first time, watch the episode on our YouTube channel: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PIFw2QBwpJE Next Up: In the next episode, we dive deep into Pillar 1: Creating cognitively demanding tasks with AI. Subscribe to our podcast and YouTube channel to make sure you catch the whole series. The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Season Wrap-Up: Collective Teacher Efficacy, Clarity and True Engagement | 06 May 2025 | 00:44:12 | |
In the final episode of the school year, the Class-Act Coaching crew is back together! Ashley is joined by co-hosts Jason and Dan to reflect on the biggest takeaways from this semester’s episodes — and this time, Dan takes the reins as host. Together, they dive into three powerful themes that kept coming up in coaching conversations:
With examples from classrooms, podcast guests and even Ashley’s own students, this wrap-up connects all the dots and leaves you with plenty to reflect on. Plus, find out what Ashley told a student that she realized she should’ve been telling herself. We’ll be back in the fall, but until then — enjoy your well-earned summer. And if you’re joining us at the Making Schools Work Conference in New Orleans (July 15–18), be sure to say hi! The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Special Episode: Coaching the Coaches - How One Georgia District Supports Instructional Coaching at Every Level | 15 Apr 2025 | 00:50:19 | |
In this episode, Jason and Dan sit down with Kanisa Williams, an instructional coach from a large Georgia district, who coaches other instructional coaches. They talk about how coaching cycles are implemented not just with teachers, but with coaches, and the importance of modeling, trust-building and communication. Kanisa shares how she supports new coaches in clarifying their role, planning productive coaching cycles and using teacher data to identify priorities. Key Takeaways:
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The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Designing Meaningful Projects: Making Project-Based Learning Work in the Classroom | 01 Apr 2025 | 00:51:48 | |
In this episode of Class-Act Coaching, Ashley is joined by Marty Sugerik, an instructional coach with a passion for project-based learning (PBL). Marty shares practical coaching strategies to help teachers design or refine classroom projects that connect to real-world skills. Whether you’re a coach supporting teachers in PBL or an educator looking to strengthen your own projects, this conversation is packed with hands-on strategies for making learning more engaging and meaningful. Key Topics Covered:
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📘 Homework Challenge: If you’re a teacher, take a current unit and brainstorm how it could be turned into a project with a real-world connection. If you’re a coach, work with a teacher this week to refine a project idea! The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Tips for Creating an Engaged Class: Writing, Movement and Meaningful Talk | 25 Mar 2025 | 00:29:21 | |
Getting students to truly engage can be one of the hardest parts of teaching—but this episode is here to help! Ashley is joined by two instructional coaches, Kari Meldrum and Sharon Moehle, who share two powerful, easy-to-implement strategies that promote deeper student engagement across all content areas. Whether you teach math, ELA, science or social studies, these techniques are designed to get every student participating, thinking more critically and taking ownership of their learning—without requiring a complete lesson overhaul. Key Topics Covered:
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📘 Homework Challenge: Try both strategies—TIPS and Traveling Salesman—with your class this week! Reflect on how they changed participation, clarity and engagement. The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| The Power of Planning: Collaborative Strategies for Stronger Lessons | 11 Mar 2025 | 00:46:32 | |
Planning comes up in nearly every episode of Class-Act Coaching—so this week, we’re giving it the spotlight it deserves. Ashley teams up with guest instructional coach Michelle Harada, who shares practical tips and research-backed strategies for improving the quality and efficiency of lesson planning, especially through collaborative planning. Michelle draws from years of experience supporting teachers across grade levels and content areas and breaks down why planning is more than just picking a resource—it’s about being intentional, setting clear goals and using time wisely. Key Topics Covered:
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📘 Homework Challenge: Use Michelle’s planning template to reflect on one upcoming lesson or unit. Focus on just one new element—like success criteria or engagement strategies—and give it a try! The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Special Episode: Coaching Conversations – Microteaching and Meaningful Reflection | 04 Mar 2025 | 00:29:52 | |
This week, we’re doing something a little different! In this special episode of Class-Act Coaching, we take you behind the scenes of a real coaching conversation between SREB Coach Jason Adair and Jen Zelena, a reading specialist and literacy coach at Broughal Middle School in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Jen has been leading an initiative called microteaching, where teachers film and reflect on their own lessons to make small but impactful instructional changes. In this episode, she shares her experience teaching and analyzing a lesson, and Jason helps her unpack key takeaways, including how to structure lessons for deeper student engagement and ownership of learning. Whether you’re a teacher looking to refine your practice or a coach seeking strategies for leading meaningful reflection, this conversation is packed with insights! Key Topics Covered:
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🔔 Want more coaching conversations? Let us know what topics you’d like to hear in future special episodes! The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Curiosity in the Classroom: How to Spark Student Motivation | 25 Feb 2025 | 00:43:18 | |
Why do some students naturally engage in learning while others seem uninterested? In this episode, Ashley is joined by Dan Rock, who takes on the role of coach, to dive deep into the power of curiosity and motivation in learning. Dan breaks down the research behind cognitive interest cues—simple yet powerful techniques teachers can use to increase student engagement, deepen learning and make lessons more memorable. Key Topics Covered:
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The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Teaching for Transfer: Ensuring Learning Sticks (Part 2) | 18 Feb 2025 | 00:41:15 | |
We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Christi Edwards, where she shares her final two strategies for ensuring students don’t just succeed on class assignments but can apply their learning in future assessments and beyond. In this episode, Christi focuses on helping students regulate their own thinking and communicate their ideas effectively—two key skills that build confidence and deeper understanding. Key Topics Covered:
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You can get feedback from Christi by sending us a message through social or email. The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Teaching for Transfer: Ensuring Learning Sticks (Part 1) | 11 Feb 2025 | 00:39:04 | |
Ever had a student ace all the assignments, but then struggle on a final essay or a state assessment? In this episode, Ashley and special guest co-host Jason Adair sit down with instructional coach Christi Edwards to tackle a key challenge in education: helping students transfer their learning beyond the classroom. Christi shares the first two of her four key strategies for ensuring students not only succeed in class but can apply their knowledge in future learning situations. Key Topics Covered:
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🔔 Stay tuned for Part 2 next Tuesday, Feb. 18, where Christi will share her final two strategies! The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Teaching to the Standard: Breaking It Down and Building It Up | 04 Feb 2025 | 00:39:30 | |
In this episode, Ashley and Dan sit down with Juliana Coleman, an experienced science educator and instructional coach, to discuss how to effectively teach to a standard while ensuring students develop deeper understanding rather than just memorizing facts. Juliana breaks down common misconceptions about rigor, explains how to analyze standards to scaffold learning, and shares practical strategies for helping students think critically. Whether you're struggling to move beyond surface-level teaching or looking for ways to differentiate instruction while maintaining high expectations, this episode has insights for you. Key Topics Covered:
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Want to take your teaching to the next level? Listen in for strategies you can apply right away! The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| From Planning to Collaborating: A Semester of Learning | 10 Dec 2024 | 00:54:32 | |
In this special end-of-semester wrap-up, Ashley and Dan reflect on the four major themes explored in this semester's podcast episodes: Planning, Creating Authentic Work Experiences, Collaborating, and Building Connections with Students. They share key insights from their conversations with instructional coaches, highlight strategies that resonated, and discuss practical applications for teachers and coaches alike. Ashley reflects on what she's learned as a teacher, while Dan connects those lessons to coaching strategies that help teachers succeed. Whether you're a teacher looking to enhance your practice or a coach seeking ways to support your colleagues, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. Key Topics Covered:
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Enjoy your break and get ready for more exciting episodes in 2025! 🎉 The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Building Relationships: The Heart of a Thriving Classroom | 03 Dec 2024 | 00:33:38 | |
Rodriquez "Rod" Leonard, a coach with extensive experience in K-12 education, shares valuable insights on building a positive and productive classroom culture. He emphasizes the importance of getting to know students as individuals, using those insights to inform instruction, and fostering student achievement. He encourages teachers to try one of his tips, starting with making a genuine effort to connect with their students. This can be accomplished through:
Rod's episode provides practical, actionable advice for teachers looking to cultivate a supportive and successful learning environment. The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Fostering Gratitude and Encouragement in the Classroom | 19 Nov 2024 | 00:33:48 | |
Unlock the keys to fostering gratitude and encouragement in your classroom as we celebrate Thanksgiving with a special guest, instructional coach Shelly Gibson. This episode promises to equip you with practical strategies for showing appreciation to your students through listening, meaningful connections, and purposeful actions. Together with co-host Daniel Rock, we'll share how these practices create a nurturing environment where students can thrive, even when challenges arise. The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Active Learning Through Collaborative Note-Taking | 12 Nov 2024 | 00:39:24 | |
Unlock the secrets of effective note-taking in our latest episode, promising to transform how students and educators grasp and retain information. Our engaging conversation with Donn Kirkwood, a senior leadership coach with a specialty in literacy, provides a treasure trove of practical strategies designed to boost understanding and retention in classroom settings. We explore the pitfalls of relying solely on technology, like snapping pictures of slides, and delve into the power of translating information into one's own words for a deeper learning experience. The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Mastering Student Engagement Through Dynamic Conversations | 05 Nov 2024 | 00:24:28 | |
Discover how to transform silence into vibrant conversations in your classroom with insights from our latest discussion. Join me, Ashley Shaw, alongside Dan Rock, as we unravel the secrets of fostering engaging student discourse with the help of Keisha King, a distinguished math instructional coach. Learn how to create a safe environment for students to express their thoughts and build confidence in speaking up. Keisha introduces her five practices for orchestrating productive mathematics discussions, offering a powerful framework that can enhance critical thinking and student interaction. The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Empowering Students with Real-World Communication Skills | 29 Oct 2024 | 00:36:40 | |
Unlock the secrets to transforming your classroom into a dynamic workplace simulation with insights from our extraordinary guest, Marty Sugerik. With a wealth of experience drawn from both military and educational realms, Marty delivers invaluable strategies to enhance students' communication and collaboration skills. Discover how we can extend the classic "think-pair-share" method by incorporating world language research's "three modes of communication," empowering students to adapt these skills across diverse subjects and careers. The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Empowering Educators for Leadership Success | 22 Oct 2024 | 00:26:44 | |
Unlock the secrets to effective school leadership with insights from George McFarland, an SREB leadership coach and seasoned educator with over thirty years of experience. Discover how establishing a clear purpose and fostering collaboration among stakeholders can transform school environments, even amidst the challenges of frequent leadership turnover. George shares his wisdom on the pivotal role of communication in aligning a school's mission with collective aspirations, ensuring teachers and staff feel valued and motivated. Learn how involving everyone from teachers to community members in shaping a school’s direction can create an environment where initiatives are not just understood but embraced. The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Crafting Impactful Lessons: Aligning Assessments and Exploring Cross-Curricular Connections | 15 Oct 2024 | 00:37:20 | |
Unlock the secrets to crafting impactful lesson plans and aligning assessments with the guidance of expert guest Debbie Robertson. Discover how Ashley seeks to refine her organizational skills with insights from senior leadership coach Debbie. Together, they unravel the art of starting with the end in mind, diving into the crucial process of revisiting educational standards. This episode promises to transform your approach to teaching by ensuring lessons are not just effective but deeply aligned with contemporary educational expectations and student needs. The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Ways to Create Authentic Experiences in the Classroom | 08 Oct 2024 | 00:38:10 | |
Where will I use this in the "real-world"? The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Engaging Students Cognitively, Behaviorally and Emotionally | 01 Oct 2024 | 00:31:03 | |
It's every teacher's biggest challenge: How can we get these students to engage with the material? The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Planning Powerful Questions for Your Class | 24 Sep 2024 | 00:37:22 | |
In this week's episode, SREB's Jason Adair comes in to coach Ashley in how to ask better questions in class. The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| 3 C's of Vocabulary: Building Connections, Categories and Context | 17 Sep 2024 | 00:28:53 | |
In our National Literacy Month lesson, we talk about three ways teachers of any subject can help students better understand and utilize the vocabulary words in the class. The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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| Easy Lesson Planning With SPICE-Y AI Prompts | 03 Jul 2024 | 00:23:55 | |
Provide feedback on this episode before July 19, 2024, and be entered into a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card.
The Southern Regional Education Board is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with states and schools to improve education at every level, from early childhood through doctoral education and the workforce.
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