Shows
Teachers Talkin'Why We Hit Record: Podcasting, Pedagogy, and the Power of Voice (S2E35)In the season 2 finale, Dustin and Ghazali reflect on the journey of Teachers Talkin’, what they’ve learned, and how podcasting has become a powerful pedagogical tool. They revisit the podcast’s origin, the connections they’ve built, and the stories that have shaped the show. Their guiding question: What role can storytelling and podcasting play in building community and transforming education?Dustin and Ghazali share candid reflections on building a global educator network, how their own professional learning has evolved, and how podcasting has deepened their understanding of teacher-administrator relationships. They explore how podcasting is not only a m...2025-06-1641 min
Modern Classrooms Project PodcastFEED DROP: Boundaries and Balance: Practical Solutions for Teacher BurnoutFor our first feed drop of the summer, we'd love to share this episode of Teachers Talkin' with you! Teachers Talkin’ is a discussion-based podcast hosted by Dustin Tatroe and Ghazali Abdul-Wahab, focused on elevating conversations in education. Each episode features honest, reflective dialogue with educators from around the world on topics ranging from instructional practices and leadership to school culture and professional growth. The goal is to create a space for inspiration, challenge, and connection—where teachers and education leaders can explore what’s working, what’s not, and how we move forward together.
You can find the...2025-06-041h 09
Teachers Talkin'Modern Classrooms Project: Engaging Students Even When They Are Absent (S2E34)In this special podcast swap episode, we're sharing an episode from the Modern Classrooms Project Podcast—a show hosted by Toni Rose and Zach that explores instructional practice, classroom tech, student advocacy, and more through the lens of the Modern Classrooms instructional model: blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning. Guests include classroom teachers, MCP mentors, school leaders, and students who’ve experienced the model firsthand.In this episode, Toni Rose is joined by MCP mentor Camille Coleman to dive into the topic of student engagement—especially how to keep students connected and learning even when they’re absent. Camille...2025-06-0259 min
Teachers Talkin'Strategic From the Start: Building Sustainable Leadership at Every Level (S2E33)Dustin and Ghazali ask the question "what does it take to lead lasting, ethical, and strategic school transformation from any seat in the building?" to Danielle Craig.Danielle is an experienced school leader with a track record of significant and effective school improvement. She is a level 7 qualified coach and now works for herself and in schools as an executive coach and educational consultant. She is passionate about developing people, leadership, and workplace culture and has expertise in strategic leadership, curriculum development, and teaching and learning. She understands the challenges leaders face and how the right support...2025-05-191h 01
Teachers Talkin'Boundaries and Balance: Practical Solutions for Teacher Burnout (S2E32)Burnout is real—and for educators, it often creeps in quietly until it's too loud to ignore. In this episode, Ghazali and Dustin dive into real talk about how teachers can reclaim their time, protect their peace, and set boundaries that stick.🎙️ Our guiding question: How can educators create and sustain boundaries that support both their well-being and professional impact?Together, they share lived experiences and practical strategies that teachers and leaders can apply immediately—without guilt. Topics include early burnout warning signs, how to reset when boundaries slip, and why systemic support matters just as much a...2025-05-051h 07
Teachers Talkin'Tackling Math Anxiety: How Gamification Can Change the Equation (S2E31)In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali sit down with Dr. Aditya Nagrath, founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy, to explore the roots of math anxiety and how a gamified, mindset-shifting approach can help students regain confidence and mastery in math.Our guiding question: How can we reframe math education to overcome anxiety and help all students succeed?Dr. Aditya Nagrath (he/him) is a PhD in Mathematics & Computer Science, seasoned software engineer, and founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy. With over 30 years in the tech industry—ranging from atomic clocks to mobile apps—Dr. Nagrath deve...2025-04-1433 min
Teachers Talkin'Data-Driven Teaching: Making Classroom Insights Actionable (S2E30)Dustin and Ghazali sit down with Tom Kaster, founder of The Datafied Classroom, to explore how teachers can unlock the power of classroom data without becoming data scientists. They dive into practical tools, strategies, and mindset shifts that make data more usable and less overwhelming—ultimately helping educators better support student learning.Tom was a secondary mathematics teacher for nearly 20 years, teaching on five continents and in seven countries. His global experience led him to launch The Datafied Classroom, a company focused on transforming student and classroom data into visual, actionable insights for teachers and school leaders....2025-03-3158 min
Teachers Talkin'AI in Education: A Teacher-Centered Approach to Innovation (S2E29)Dustin Tatroe and Ghazali chat with Chelsea Marone, former teacher and principal, now working with Kaiba, an AI-powered edtech tool. They explore how AI can help educators by reducing burnout, streamlining tasks, and improving instruction without replacing teachers. Chelsea highlights Kaiba’s features, ethical AI use, and the future of AI in education.Chelsea Marone loves all things education! As a former teacher and principal, she has spent almost a decade in elementary schools in both rural and urban school districts. During this time, she taught special education in the most restrictive to the least restrictive environments, fe...2025-03-1756 min
Teachers Talkin'Teaching by Example: SEL & Human Values in Education (S2E28)Dustin and Ghazali talk with Javier Payano, a Chicago-based educator and co-founder of the Human Values Collective, about integrating universal human values into education. Javier shares his journey from music education to advocating for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and character development. They explore how Love, Truth, Peace, Non-Violence, and Right Action can transform classrooms, helping both students and teachers cultivate emotional awareness and resilience. Javier also discusses the challenges of implementing SEL, strategies for overcoming resistance, and the importance of teacher well-being in fostering a values-driven learning environment.Javier Payano has taught music in Chicago for...2025-03-0345 min
Teachers Talkin'Bridging the Gap: Effective Parent-Teacher Communication (S2E27)Dustin and Ghazali sit down with Diah Asdini to explore the challenges and strategies behind effective parent-teacher communication. They discuss how teachers can build positive relationships with parents, set clear boundaries, and handle difficult conversations. From cultural perspectives to practical tools, this episode offers valuable insights for educators looking to strengthen their collaboration with families.Diah Asdini is an educator and entrepreneur based in Indonesia. She began as a tutor in college and later founded her own teaching business, focusing on bridging the gap between school and home life.Join the conversation and share your...2025-02-1756 min
Teachers Talkin'Redesigning Learning: Hybrid & Blended Strategies for Every Student’s Success (S2E26)Dustin and Ghazali talk with Robert Barnett, co-founder of the Modern Classrooms Project and author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, to explore how hybrid and blended learning can create more inclusive and effective classrooms. Our guiding question is, How can hybrid and blended learning models transform education to better support every student?About Our GuestRobert Barnett is an educator, author, and advocate for modern, student-centered learning. He co-founded the Modern Classrooms Project (https://modernclassrooms.org), which has empowered over 80,000 educators worldwide to implement blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning. Before that, he taught various su...2025-02-0350 minModern Classrooms Project PodcastEpisode 224: Kindergarten ClassroomTR is joined by Saenovia Smith to talk about how she implements MCP in her kindergarten classroom.
Read a summary of this episode on the Modern Classrooms Project blog.
Show Notes
Elmo document cameras
Adam Grant
MCP's new progress tracker (in partner ship with Wavio)
Connect with Saenovia by email at the219teacher@gmail.com
Learning Experiences for the Upcoming Week
Do you ever wonder how to meet all of your learners’ needs at once? That’s natural! Every student needs different things, and...2025-02-0248 min
Teachers Talkin'Challenging the Status Quo: Education Policy, Advocacy, and Transforming School Culture (S2E25)Dustin and Ghazali talk with Bobby Canosa-Carr, author of Can I Go To The Bathroom? And Other Asinine Questions We Ask in School, to discuss how current policies shape our schools and how we can advocate for meaningful change. Our guiding question is, ‘What shifts are necessary in education policy and culture to empower students and educators alike?Bobby Canosa-Carr (he/him) is a leadership coach, a former teacher and principal, and a public education executive. He is a pioneer in personalized & project-based learning, restorative practices, and mentoring in schools. Recently, Bobby published his first book, entitled "Ca...2025-01-2046 min
Teachers Talkin'Teachers Talkin' LIVE (S2E24)Dustin and Ghazali celebrate 1 year of the podcast, over 1,000 downloads, reflect on the first half of season 2, and preview the second half of season 2. It was a fun podcast to go live for the first time and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did!We are always looking for passionate members of the education world to join us and talk about tips and strategies to support teachers! You don't have to be any kind of expert, just someone who is passionate about education and teachers. If that is you, please fill out this form...2025-01-0631 min
Teachers Talkin'Mentorship Matters: Elevating Teaching through Supportive Relationships (S2E23)In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Kalaivani Pallavanraja to discuss how mentorship programs benefit both new and experienced teachers, and what the key elements are of an effective mentorship program. Kalaivani has 5000+ hours of teaching ESL, Business English to learners from 60+ countries | 150+ mentoring sessions for online ESL Educators| Cambridge certified trainer, Mentor Teacher. You can find her on LinkedIn if you want to connect and learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalaivanipallavanraja/We are always looking for passionate members of the education world to join us and talk about tips and strategies to support...2024-12-1637 min
Teachers Talkin'Beyond the Classroom Walls: How Outdoor Learning Engages and Empowers Students (S2E22)In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Conni Rasmussen to discuss the unique benefits of outdoor education and how educators can incorporate outdoor learning into their curriculum for deeper engagement.Growing up near the water Conni was either under it, in it, or in a watercraft. It was her playground and later became the playground of her boys. Combining her love for the outdoors and teaching, she earned a BS in Marine Biology and a MS from University of Oxford on International Science Education and Statistical Research Methods. Her career as a secondary science educator in...2024-12-0252 min
Teachers Talkin'Culturally Responsive Teaching: Building Bridges in Diverse Classrooms (S2E21)In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Chitisha Gunnoo to answer the question, “How can educators connect with diverse student populations through culturally responsive teaching?” Chitisha is, a PhD candidate at the University of Mauritius, a 21st century educator, learning and development consultant and also a passionate about SDG aligned education.Are you ready to transform your teaching? Join Dustin's Successful Educator Transformation workshop! Register at https://teachertutor.co/virtual-eventWe are always looking for passionate members of the education world to join us and talk about tips and strategies to s...2024-11-1843 min
Teachers Talkin'Teaching Students to Outline: A Foundational Skill for Lifelong Learning (S2E20)In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Keith Wilhelmi to answer the question, "Should teachers prioritize teaching students how to outline, and if so, how can they do it effectively?" Keith is a retired middle school life science teacher with over 42 years of experience in education. Keith has spent much of his post-retirement time creating resources to help teachers make outlining easier for students, especially in the sciences. Learn more about his method with this short video. You can get his Life Science book (which is good for more than just Life Science teachers...2024-11-0444 min
Teachers Talkin'Preparing Students for the Future: 21st Century Skills and Technology in Education (S2E19)In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Faja Akbar to answer the question, "How can educators effectively integrate 21st-century skills and technology to equip students for the future workplace?"Fajarudin Akbar, the ambassador of the International English Language Teachers Association for Indonesia and a TESOL/TEFL Educator is an English language teacher and educational technology practitioner deeply committed to promoting sustainable learning and continuous professional development. He is passionate about growing and supporting educational communities that encourage and promote global sustainable learning for educators and students. You can visit his website at www.moocguru.com.2024-10-2147 min
Teachers Talkin'Building Confidence: Empowering Beginning Teachers to Teach Like Veterans (S2E18)In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Ginean Royal to answer the question, "How can beginning teachers build confidence and develop the skills needed to teach like veteran educators?"Ginean has been in education for 24 years. She's taught in elementary, middle, high school, and post secondary - mainly as a math instructor. She is currently an instructional coach where much of her time is working with the beginning teachers (those with 0-3 years experience). The reason she works mainly with beginning teachers is because when she started, she didn't have the teacher education background. Ginean didn't...2024-10-0736 min
Teachers Talkin'Unlocking Language Learning: Harnessing AI for 21st Century Classrooms (S2E17)In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Joe Dale, an independent languages consultant and tech expert. The conversation is focused on how AI can enhance language learning. Joe dives into practical strategies that teachers can use to bring AI into their classrooms.Joe Dale is an independent languages consultant from the UK who works with a range of organisations such as Network for Languages, ALL, The British Council, the BBC, Skype, Microsoft and The Guardian. He was host of the TES MFL forum for six years, former SSAT Languages Lead Practitioner, a regular conference...2024-09-231h 10
Teachers Talkin'Cultivating a Growth Mindset: Strategies for Fostering a Growth Mindset in Students and Educators (S2E16)Teachers Talkin' is BACK for Season 2! In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali focus on the question, "How can educators effectively cultivate a growth mindset in both students and themselves?" We explore practical strategies and insights to help teachers and students develop a growth mindset, which is essential for personal and academic growth.We are always looking for passionate members of the education world to join us and talk about tips and strategies to support teachers! You don't have to be any kind of expert, just someone who is passionate about education and teachers. If that...2024-09-0850 min
Teachers Talkin'Summer Strategies for a Successful School Year (S1E15)In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali wrap up Season 1 talking about the best ways to spend Summer Break. We focus on answering the question "How can teachers use their summer break to reflect, relax, recover, and prepare effectively for the upcoming school year?"Teachers Talkin' with resume on Monday, August 26th for Season 2 with all new episodes, guests, and lots of great support!2024-06-0336 min
Teachers Talkin'Summer Strategies for a Successful School YearIn this episode, Dustin and Ghazali wrap up Season 1 talking about the best ways to spend Summer Break. We focus on answering the question "How can teachers use their summer break to reflect, relax, recover, and prepare effectively for the upcoming school year?"Teachers Talkin' with resume on Monday, August 26th for Season 2 with all new episodes, guests, and lots of great support!2024-06-0236 min
Teachers Talkin'Navigating Self-Paced Learning: Perspectives from the Classroom (S1E14)In this episode Ghazali talks to Dustin (as a guest) and Samantha Whitelaw, a veteran elementary school teacher who implements a self-paced classroom, as they focus on the overarching question "How does the self-pacing model enhance student learning experiences in both elementary and secondary classrooms?"Samantha Ortiz Whitelaw has been in elementary education for over 14 years. She has taught 1st grade, 4th grade, and spent a few years supporting English Language Learners as an ESOL teacher and team lead (4-6th grades). Samantha has been implementing the Modern Classrooms model for about 4 years now in...2024-05-2046 min
Teachers Talkin'Breaking the Mold: Embracing Self-Paced Learning with the Modern Classrooms Project (S1E13)In this episode Dustin and Ghazali talk to Toni Rose Deanon, who hosts the Modern Classrooms Project and does Community Engagement for MCP, as they focus on the overarching question "How can a self-pacing model support teachers and students in finding more success than the traditional method of teaching?"Toni Rose (they/them) has been an educator since 2010 with experiences ranging from MS English Teacher, Adult ESL Teacher, and Instructional Coach for Technology. Toni Rose strives to be the educator they never had growing up, so they focus on anti-bias, anti-racist work and aspire to...2024-05-061h 01
Teachers Talkin'Leading from the Frontlines: The Art of School Leadership (S1E12)In this episode Dustin and Ghazali talk to Dean Marolla, a former teacher and principal as they focus on the overarching question "How can school leaders effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities in education to foster a culture of growth and success?"Dean is a retired educator with over 35 years of experience as a middle and high school math teacher, assistant principal, and school principal. He worked in New York and a variety of schools California. He has traditionally worked in underserved communities and has both built schools from the ground up as well as...2024-04-2258 min
Teachers Talkin'The Art of Assessment: Maximizing Student Success Through Evaluation (S1E11)In this podcast crossover episode, Teachers' Talkin' about Helping Teachers Thrive, Dustin and Ghazali partner with Tem Ezimokhai to discuss the overarching question "How can educators effectively assess student learning to support their progress and growth?"Since embarking on her teaching journey in 2009, Tem has been on a mission to empower students to reach their fullest potential. Specialising as a Secondary Physical Education Teacher, Tem also has experience in Special Educational Needs (SEN) as a class teacher in an SEN provision. With an unwavering commitment to helping students become the best versions of themselves, Tem believes in...2024-04-0837 min
Teachers Talkin'Caring for the Whole Child: Prioritizing Student Well-Being (S1E10)In this episode Dustin and Ghazali talk with Ryan Nicholas Leong Wei Ren about the overarching question: How can educators prioritize and support student well-being in the classroom and beyond? Ryan is Singapore’s first GENIUS Generation Youth Coach, and Top Youth Coach of the Year 2024 (awarded by the IAOTP, International Association of Top Professionals). He evolves youth to stretch their career dreams, making them irresistibly attractive for their dream jobs of the 21st Century. He is also a Flow Consultant, Design Thinking Specialist and Worldbuilding Educator. Get inspired by Ryan’s game-changing track record at: https://www.linkedin.com...2024-03-2538 min
Teachers Talkin'Amplifying Student Voices: Strategies for Empowerment in Education (S1E9)In this episode Dustin and Ghazali talk with Cecilia Alcaraz about the overarching question: How can educators empower students and involve them in decision-making processes? We focus on why it's important and how to give students voice and agency both in their classroom and school community. Cecilia is a Dean of Students at a high school in Chicago and has spent the bulk of her career in education supporting students and building strong culture in partnership with them. 2024-03-1140 min
Teachers Talkin'The Future of Learning: Exploring AI's Role in Education Part 2 (S1E8)In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali welcome Sila Tekinsoy to discuss the overarching question "How can AI reshape and enhance the educational landscape?" We believe that we are just in the beginning of AI and want to bring awareness and strategies to educators as they navigate a world that includes AI. Sıla, an EFL teacher with a decade of experience, is a dedicated educator based in Kayseri, Turkey. She holds certifications as a Microsoft Innovative Educator, Apple Teacher, TESOL Certified, and Prompt Engineer . As a passionate content creator, freelance translator, and master in Education student, her focus lies a...2024-02-2631 min
Teachers Talkin'The Future of Learning: Exploring AI's Role in Education Part 1 (S1E7)In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali welcome Phillip Alcock to discuss the overarching questions "How can AI reshape and enhance the educational landscape?" We believe that we are just in the beginning of AI and want to bring awareness and strategies to educators as they navigate a world that includes AI. Phillip is a teacher on a break who specializes in developing and implementing strategies for integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in educational and organizational settings through design thinking and project-based learning (PBL) methodologies.At the heart of AIxPBL is a commitment to personalizing the educational experience, connecting...2024-02-1244 min
Teachers Talkin'The Heart of Education: Building Lasting Connections in Your Classroom (S1E6)In this episode we welcome Kip Morales as we discuss the overarching question "How do intentional efforts to build relationships and community within the classroom and school contribute to a positive and effective learning environment?" Kip is a teacher based out of Los Angeles, CA with a wide range of educational experiences having taught English Language Arts, Martial Arts, and more across prisons, in Japan, to Indigenous peoples, and inner city schools. He has impacted many students lives in a variety of ways and now shares his knowledge with us. 2024-01-2946 min
Teachers Talkin'Reignite, Refocus, Refresh: Strategies for the New Semester (S1E5)After a few weeks away to spend time with friends and family, enjoy the holidays, and do our own rejuvenation, we are back! In this episode we discuss the ways we reflect after the first semester, how we reset during break, plan for semester 2 success, reconnect with our students, and reinforce routines and expectations.2024-01-1536 min
Teachers Talkin'From Burnout to Balance: Strategies for Teacher Wellbeing (S1E4)The episode focuses on the question: "How do you prioritize your mental health as an educator?" We are please to be talking with our first guest, Santa-Maria Rivera, an educator for 20 years. Teaching Spanish, Social Sciences and Academy Skills in Inner City High Schools and Middle Schools. She graduated from UCLA with a Master’s Degree in Education with emphasis in Social Sciences and Spanish. She led and organized Educational & Cultural trips to different countries in Europe and in Japan during the summer, bringing more that 200 students in 5 consecutive years, and teaching Yoga & Meditation to students & parents two times a...2023-12-181h 05
Teachers Talkin'From Information to Impact: Redefining Professional Development in Education (S1E3)In this episode Dustin & Ghazali dive into Professional Development for teachers, sharing our personal experiences both positive and negative. We offer 5 ways that school leaders can be better about providing true PD that actually helps teachers grow and develop.2023-12-0450 min
Teachers Talkin'Beyond the Chalkboard: Innovative Approaches to Classroom Success (S1E2)We discuss the need to break from the traditional model of teaching and how to do that with using AI and self-pacing.2023-11-2027 min
Teachers Talkin'Teachers Unite: An Introduction to Teachers Talkin' Podcast (S1E1)An introduction to the hosts, Dustin Tatroe and Gahzali Abdul Wahab. We discuss what you can expect from the podcast including the format and upcoming topics.2023-11-0817 min