Shows
The PL PlaybookLet's Start at the Very Beginning (A Very Good Place to Start)In this episode, we rewind it back to the early days of the podcast and recap the do's and don'ts of professional learning. We also share our PL goals for this year!
Check out the following links for recent research and literature that align with the best practices we shared in this episode:
Moving from Compliance to Agency: What Teachers Need to Make Professional Learning Work
Effective Teacher Development
Principles for High-Quality, Standards-Aligned Professional Learning
Teachers Know Best: Teachers' Views on Professional Development
Dispelling the Myths: What th...2024-09-1137 minThe PL PlaybookThe PL Playbook Podcast 2.0After taking a brief hiatus, I'm back! In this episode, I chat with Ashlie Crosson, the 2024 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. Take a listen to not only hear from an amazing educator, but find out a BIG surprise to kick off season #3!
Interested in joining the show as a guest this season? Fill out the brief form below:
https://sites.google.com/view/the-pl-playbook-podcast/guest-request?authuser=0
2024-08-1435 minThe PL PlaybookConsider Storyboarding Professional LearningIn this episode, I provide a brief overview of the curriculum storyboarding framework and urge you to think about how the process could be used to map out long-term professional learning for teachers.
Check out these supplemental resources for more information:
https://www.ascd.org/books/streamlining-the-curriculum?variant=123020
https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/storyboarding-your-curriculum
https://curriculumstoryboards.com/storyboards/
2024-02-2807 minThe PL PlaybookMaking the Most of ConferencesHey there, edu-friends! In this episode, I share my top 3 tips for making the most of your attendance at an educational conference. I also highlight 3 exciting conferences upcoming in 2024! Visit the links below for more info:
ASCD Conference
NCTE Conference
Learning Forward Conference
2024-01-3108 minThe PL PlaybookWhat's Your One PL Word for 2024?In this brief episode, I challenge you to choose one word to reflect your professional learning intentions for 2024. What will your word be?
In the episode, I also mention the upcoming leadership panels being hosted by Swivl. For more information, check out the following link: https://www.swivl.com/leadership-panel/2024-01-0306 minThe PL PlaybookReflection RoundtablesIn this episode I share a little bit about Reflection Roundtables. This discussion protocol is a great way to prompt reflection with teachers. Take a listen, and then check out the associated resources linked below:
Reflection Roundtable Discussion Protocol
Reflection Roundtable Question Template
2023-12-2007 minThe PL PlaybookYes, One More Episode About Gamified PL...Hey there, edu-friends! In this episode I chat with Julie Overly and Amy Odgers, two amazing instructional coaches from the Upper Merion Area School District located near Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Julie is in her 23rd year as an educator and has taught a variety of grade levels in several countries, including Tanzania and Israel. She currently supports Kindergarten through 4th grade teachers across 5 elementary buildings in her district. Amy has been teaching for close to 30 years, serving in a variety of roles including middle school language arts teacher, reading specialist, and 4th grade teacher. She is currently in her 9th...2023-12-0646 minThe PL PlaybookA Few Gamified PL Freebies!In this episode, I chat with professional learning consultant Melissa Duckworth. Melissa is a former colleague of mine, and a few years ago, we dove head first into creating gamified PL experiences for our staff. Listen as we discuss some of our favorite challenges. After listening, check out the related resources linked below!:
Pie Party Challenge
Super Bowl Challenge
Mardis Gras Challenge
March Madness Challenge
Interested in connecting with Melissa? Follow her on X at @1DuckyMathCoach or send her an email at mduckworth@ciu10.org.
2023-11-2232 minThe PL PlaybookA Brief Intro to Gamified PLIn this episode, I briefly describe what it means to gamify professional learning for educators, as well as share some of the benefits. Below is a link to one gamified PL experience that you can implement with teachers prior to the Thanksgiving holiday: https://www.smore.com/gd3n6-fall-coaching-challenge2023-11-0809 minThe PL PlaybookHost a PL Book Tasting EventIn this episode, I describe a unique twist on the traditional classroom book tasting event. Take a listen to hear how this activity can be used by PL facilitators to expose teachers to a variety of educational resources. You can check out resources related to this episode below:
Book Tasting Presentation: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFrM5x8ksc/N0mV7AzoWRdOV6Ch5EhHow/edit?utm_content=DAFrM5x8ksc&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Book Tasting Order Form: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFrNwm_3ZY/NeaC-m4pswnweyZECzS46g/edit?utm_content=DAFrNwm_3ZY&utm_campaign=d...2023-09-0610 minThe PL PlaybookImpactful Instructional Coaching with Ellen EisenbergIn this episode, I chat with Ellen Eisenberg. Ellen is the Executive Director of The Professional Institute for Instructional Coaching (TPIIC), which offers support for instructional coaches and school leaders. Ellen had a profound impact on me during the beginning of my career as a coach, and she offers great insight to educators in this episode.
For more information about TPIIC, visit this link: https://tpiic.org/
Check out Ellen's book Instructional Coaching in Action here: https://www.ascd.org/books/instructional-coaching-in-action?variant=117028
To connect with Ellen, visit here: https://www.linkedin.com...2023-08-2339 minThe PL PlaybookGrowing as an Educator Through National Board CertificationIn this episode, I chat with Maryland teacher Matt Green. Matt has been an educator for 20 years, and is also National Board Certified. Listen as he shares what going through the process was like and how he grew professionally as a result.
For more information about National Board Certification, check out:
https://www.nbpts.org/2023-08-0938 minThe PL PlaybookOne Principal's Take on PLCsIn this episode, I chat with Delaware educator Carol Leveillee about how she provides professional learning through PLCs. Carol has been in education for 40 years, and currently is the principal of Frederick Douglass Elementary School in Seaford, Delaware. She is a National Distinguished Principal and a Terrel H. Bell award winner. Most notably, Carol turned around her school from being one of the lowest performing in the state on the brink of state takeover to being recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School, National Distinguished ESEA School and a school of Continued Excellence. To read more about Carol and...2023-07-2641 minThe PL PlaybookReflect, Select, and DirectYay for the first episode of season #2! In this episode, listeners are encouraged to REFLECT on the content shared in season #1, SELECT one (or more!) PL ideas that resonated with them, and DIRECT a plan to implement the practice(s) within their school, district, or organization. I also share a birthday gift for listeners at the end of the episode! The following two links were referenced in the episode:
PL Playbook Podcast Website
Back-to-School Bingo Board
2023-07-1208 minThe PL PlaybookThe Collaborative CoachIn this episode, I chat with educators Gina Fugnitto and Katie Fuchs, both who work for Collaborative Classroom, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to "ensure that all students become readers, writers, and thinkers who learn from, care for, and respect one another." Gina is the Vice President of Implementation for the Center for the Collaborative Classroom, while Katie manages the Collaborative Coach platform.
In addition to developing high-quality curricular materials, the organization is also committed to enhancing professional learning for teachers and other school leaders. Specifically, this episode centers around Collaborative Coach, an asynchronous online coaching platform that...2023-06-2839 minThe PL PlaybookThe PL Playbook Podcast Summer Book ClubToday's episode is brief! Take a listen to hear about the first-ever PL Playbook Summer Book Club! Below are two links referenced in the episode:
Edutopia Article: How to Balance Resting, Reflecting, and Learning This Summer
PL Playbook Summer Book Club Interest Form: https://forms.gle/PgRwm9C54cppmNsN6
2023-06-1404 minThe PL PlaybookAdult Learning Theory With Elizabeth DampfIn this episode, I chat with educator Elizabeth Dampf. Elizabeth is currently the Director of Professional Learning for Round Lake Area Schools 116 in the Chicago area. She has also authored several notable articles and blogs for ASCD, which can be found here: https://www.ascd.org/people/elizabeth-dampf. You can connect with Elizabeth on Twitter @ElizabethDampf.
2023-05-3139 minThe PL PlaybookMicrocredentialing for MasteryIn this episode, I chat with Dr. Donna Spangler. Donna is a current instructional coach for the Derry Township School District located in Hershey, PA. She is also the Department Chair for the Instructional Coaching Department, a consultant for the professional learning platform Sibme, a former co-president of Learning Forward Pennsylvania, and an author of various education-related articles, among many other accolades. Several years ago, Donna facilitated the design and implementation of a microcredentialing program for teachers within her school district. Take a listen to this episode to learn all about her work and how it resulted in impactful...2023-05-1039 minThe PL PlaybookAdministrators Need Professional Learning TooIn this episode I chat with Dr. John Zesiger, Superintendent of the Moshannon Valley School District located in Pennsylvania. We talk about all things related to professional learning for administrators. One thing Dr. Z discusses is the amazing leadership training his team has received from Bartell & Bartell. If you're interested in learning more, visit: https://bartellbartell.com/
I also encourage you to connect with Dr. Z!:
Email: jzesiger@movalley.org
Twitter: @JohnZesiger
2023-04-2632 minThe PL PlaybookPersonalized Professional LearningIn this episode, I talk with educator Josh Korb. Josh is the Director of Innovation for the Bermudian Springs School District located in eastern Pennsylvania. Take a listen to hear how Josh has led the development and implementation of personalized professional learning in his district.
In addition to serving in his current role, Josh works as a freelance consultant, is the founder of master3du (a platform for tracking student growth), and is in the process of writing an educational book. Interested in connecting with Josh? More info here:
Twitter: @mrjkorb
https://www.joshkorb.org/
https...2023-04-1237 minThe PL PlaybookUsing Exit Ticket Data to Drive PLIn this episode, I chat with Meghan Hooper, a former instructional coach who currently serves as a Student Engagement Facilitator for the Ephrata Area School District located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Take a listen to hear how Meghan and her team use exit ticket data to drive their professional learning model and offerings. For a copy of her district's PL exit ticket, check out this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13x8g1RetHnX1UP7hIG12nF2d7URp-g7XT1dV2wajDUU/template/preview
Follow Meghan on Twitter @MrsMeghanHooper
2023-03-2935 minThe PL PlaybookConference MashupI recently attended the PETE&C Conference. If your role is in any way connected to educational technology, it’s definitely one worth checking out! While at the conference I took the opportunity to interview 4 random attendees about their conference highlights, as well as their general thoughts related to PL. Special thanks to Autumn Zaminski, Nicole Bond, Chris Stuchko, and Melissa Duckworth for being put on the spot in the conference venue’s hallway…😀
Check out Chris Stuchko's podcast"The 9th Grade Experience" here: https://www.9thgradeexperience.com/
Interested in attending the 2024 PETE&C Conference? Stay up-t...2023-02-2222 minThe PL Playbook#CoffeeEduIn this episode, I chat with Kathryn Laster. Kathryn has dedicated 33 years of her life to the field of education, and is currently a Digital Learning Consultant for the Region 10 Service Center in northern Texas. She also co-hosts the podcast Digital Learning Radio. Kathryn has an intense passion for professional learning and has spent many years networking with fellow educators via #CoffeeEDU. Listen to our chat to find out more about this unique PLN! Then follow Kathryn on Twitter @kklaster.
Resources Shared During our Discussion:
Digital Learning Radio Podcast (@DigLearnRadio): https://sites.google.com/region10.org...2023-02-0834 minThe PL PlaybookTeacher-Designed PL Teams: A Conversation with Two EducatorsIn this episode, I chat with middle school English teacher Leah Markert and high school social studies teacher Ally Durney. Listen as they share a little bit about their experience participating in teacher-designed (and led!) professional learning teams.
Note: If you missed episode #14, you'll want to listen to that one first, as I talk at length about these unique PL teams and how they work.2023-01-2531 minThe PL PlaybookA Twist on Traditional PLCsHooray for the first episode of 2023! In today's segment, I discuss my district's unique twist on the traditional PLC model. Looking for a surefire way to allow teachers to explore their professional learning passions, while at the same time growing teacher leadership and building collective efficacy within your school? Look no further!
Below are a ton of resources related to today's episode topic. If you have any questions about the documents I've shared, please reach out:
BLC Intro Video (we used this video to introduce the initiative and recruit participants)
What is a BLC? (BLC general...2023-01-1115 minThe PL PlaybookProfessional Learning ResolutionsIn this episode, I discuss the idea of setting professional learning resolutions. What will your 2023 PL Resolution be?
List of Professional Learning Grants for Educators:
https://www.irex.org/project/fulbright-teachers-global-classrooms-program-fulbright-tgc
https://science.osti.gov/wdts/einstein
https://www.nctm.org/Grants/
https://www.fundforteachers.org/about-us.php
https://knowlesteachers.org/teaching-fellowship
https://www.neafoundation.org/educator-grants-and-fellowships/learning-leadership-grants/
https://www.nctm.org/Grants-and-Awards/Grants/Teacher-Leader-Professional-Learning-Grant--(Pre-K-12)/
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/education/professional-development/grosvenor-teacher-fellows/
https://mccartheydressman.org/
https://www.cato.org/sphere/about-sphere
2022-12-2805 minThe PL PlaybookEmpowered Learning with Ken EhrmannIn this episode, I chat with PA educator Ken Ehrmann about how to empower our teachers as learners. Ken is a secondary instructional coach in the Pennridge School District, former PA Teacher of the Year finalist, and co-host of the powerED Up Podcast. In addition, Ken offers keynotes and customized professional learning for school districts. Connect with Ken here:
@KenEhrmann
@powereduup
https://www.kenehrmann.org/2022-12-1430 minThe PL PlaybookLunch Bunch PLIn this episode, I chat with instructional coach Stacy Ricciotti about how she facilitates brief bursts of professional learning via "Lunch Bunch" sessions with teachers. Tune in to hear all of the details! You can also check out this link for an upcoming Lunch Bunch session she's hosting: https://www.smore.com/ksauj-the-great-santa-debate?ref=email
Interested in connecting with Stacy? Follow her on Twitter at @stacyincoach.2022-11-3030 minThe PL PlaybookGratitude, Pie, and Professional LearningWhat do gratitude and pie have to do with professional learning? Listen to this episode for a few fun ideas!
Links to resources discussed in the episode:
Pie Party PL Challenge
Presenter Letter of Commendation2022-11-1614 minThe PL PlaybookA Few More Twists on Book StudiesThis week's episode is short, so if you have 10 minutes to spare, give it a listen to hear a few twists on conducting book studies with teachers. Below are a few resources related to this episode:
EL Magazine: https://www.ascd.org/el?utm_source
What You Do Matters Book Set: https://www.amazon.com/What-You-Do-Matters-Problem/dp/1946873144
What You Do Matters Book Study Questions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eR0CPyQzuBNmj8rnQp86xKCd1AoQO2s2oXF0TyUZ3ug/edit2022-11-0210 minThe PL PlaybookVirtual Book StudiesIn this episode, I talk with Laura Mandell, a secondary instructional coach working for the Ephrata Area School District in Pennsylvania. Take a listen to hear about how Laura and her coaching colleagues facilitate virtual book studies with teachers. This is one you won't want to miss!
Link to bookmarks referenced in the episode: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1o_xgHY9LBZLUdzoC_jtqmbqUI2BDFBHfZKCyjrkdgcg/template/preview
Add to your PLN by connecting with Laura on Twitter at @TheLauraMandell2022-10-1934 minThe PL PlaybookDepartment Book Studies: One Teacher's TakeWe all know that book studies are a frequently-used vehicle for professional learning. In this episode, I chat with high school English teacher Nicholas A. Emmanuele about his journey facilitating book studies as a department head. I also encourage you to follow Nicholas on Twitter at @NAEmmanuele.2022-10-0531 minThe PL PlaybookTrade Time, cont.This episode is a follow up to the previous one in which I talked in depth about my district's trade time program. In this episode, I chat with educators Julie Henry and Emily Zimdahl-McManus about their experiences participating in and/or facilitating trade time. I hope you enjoy hearing about how the program has positively impacted their professional learning!2022-09-2127 minThe PL PlaybookFoster Teacher Agency with Trade TimeIn this episode, I discuss Trade Time -- a professional learning program that provides teachers the opportunity to participate in PL experiences outside of contractual hours and then "trade" the time earned in place of the last PL day of the school year. Lots of great ideas are shared in this episode -- you won't want to miss it!
Below are a few documents connected to today's episode topic:
Trade Time Info
Trade Time Q & A
Internal Trade Time Proposal Form
External Trade Time Approval Form
Trade Time Presenter Info
Trade Time Report Form
Interested i...2022-09-0711 minThe PL PlaybookA Brief Summary of Best Practices for PLIn this episode, I briefly summarize best practices for professional learning, based on current literature and research. Below are links to the professional resources I referenced in the episode:
Moving from Compliance to Agency: What Teachers Need to Make Professional Learning Work
Effective Teacher Development
Principles for High-Quality, Standards-Aligned Professional Learning
Teachers Know Best: Teachers' Views on Professional Development
Dispelling the Myths: What the Research Says About Teacher Professional Learning
Making Professional Learning Stick
Interested in being a guest on the show or have an idea you'd like to hear discussed in an upcoming episode? Fill out...2022-08-2412 minThe PL PlaybookFrom PD to PL: How One District Made the ShiftIn this episode, I chat with my very first podcast guest -- Dr. Sommer Garman! Sommer is a current middle school principal, and also leads her district's professional learning committee. Take a listen to learn about how she facilitated a shift from professional development to professional learning within the district.
Interested in being a guest on the show or have an idea you'd like to hear discussed in an upcoming episode? Fill out this brief Google form: https://bit.ly/PLPlaybookPodcast. Then spread the word about this new podcast to your edu-friends!
Thanks for listening!2022-08-1024 minThe PL PlaybookPL, Not PDIn this episode, I talk about the important distinction between the terms professional development and professional learning. Listen to find out why I prefer the latter!
Below are a few professional resources referenced in today's episode or related to the PD vs PL debate:
https://learningforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/moving-from-compliance-to-agency.pdf
https://ncte.org/statement/proflearning/
https://www.edweek.org/education/opinion-terms-carry-meaning/2012/01
Interested in being a guest on the show or have an idea you'd like to hear discussed in an upcoming episode? Fill out this brief Google form: https://bit.ly/PLPlaybookPodcast. Then spread t...2022-07-2708 min
The PL PlaybookWelcome to the PL Playbook Podcast!Hello, edu-verse! Thanks for popping into the PL Playbook Podcast! In this intro episode, I share a little bit about myself and the inspiration for the podcast. All episodes will be directly related to the topic of professional learning. Interested in being a guest on the show or have an idea you'd like to hear discussed on an upcoming episode? Fill out this brief Google form: https://bit.ly/PLPlaybookPodcast. Then spread the word about this new podcast to your edu-friends!
Thanks,
Jackie2022-07-0607 min