Teachers on Fire – Page 26 – Ideas and resources for K-12 teachers.

January 24, 2021

Student-Led Conferences: Why, How, and Best Practices

Agency, Assessment, Ownership, Self-Assessment

Agency, Assessment, Ownership, Self-Assessment
In this edition of the Roundtable, Tim Cavey facilitates a conversation around student-led conferences: why, how, and best practices. Guests included Starr Sackstein, Melisa Hayes, Skylar Primm, Jeffery Frieden, and Victoria Thompson.

Questions That Guided Our Conversation
- 1:04 – Who are you and what is your current context in education?
- 4:15 – Let’s start with the rationale. Why do you believe in student-led conferences as an essential practice?
- 13:02 – Tell us about your experiences with student-led conferences. How have they looked in your world?
- 35:15 – For schools looking to refine and improve their approach, what are some other best practices, tools, or strategies that you can recommend?
- 48:35 – What about the student who doesn’t have a parent that is able or willing to attend the conference?
- 51:50 – When it comes to student-led conferences, who should we be reading? Which authors and books have you learned from?
- 56:01 – How can we connect with you? What’s next in your learning journey?
Connect with These Inspiring Educators on Twitter
- Victoria Thompson @VictoriaTheTech
- Starr Sackstein @MSSackstein
- Skylar Primm @SkylarPrimm
- Melisa Hayes @Hayes_Melisa
- Jeffery Frieden @SurThrivEDU
Books Recommended by the Panelists
- Leaders of Their Own Learning: Transforming Schools Through Student-Engaged Assessment by Ron Berger, Leah Rugen, and Libby Woodfin
- Hacking Assessment: 10 Ways to Go Gradeless in a Traditional Grades School by Starr Sackstein
- Teaching Students to Self-Assess: How do I help students reflect and grow as learners? by Starr Sackstein
- The Innovator’s Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity by George Couros
Catch the Next Teachers on Fire Roundtable LIVE

As of this post, I’m still appearing weekly on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Twitch at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time/11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. I’d love to see you join us and would be happy to feature your questions and comments on the show!

Connect with the Teachers on Fire Podcast on Social Media
- On Twitter @TeachersOnFire
- On Instagram @TeachersOnFire
- On Facebook @TeachersOnFire
- On LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/TimWCavey
- On Medium on The Teachers on Fire Magazine
- On YouTube @TeachersOnFire
Subscribe to the Teachers on Fire Podcast on Your Mobile Device
- On Apple Podcasts
- On Google Podcasts
- On Anchor
- On Spotify
January 17, 2021

The EDU Sisters: Women on a Mission to Change the World

Equity, Roundtable, UNSDGs

Equity, Roundtable, UNSDGs
In this edition of the Roundtable, host Tim Cavey connects with four female educators united by passion, values, and a commitment to make the world a better place through education. Guests included Abigail French, Hedreich Nichols, Bonnie Nieves, and Kellie Bahri.

Questions That Guided Our Discussion
- 0:00 – Who are you and what is your current context in education?
- 6:08 – Who are the EDU Sisters? How did you first connect, and what drew you to each other?
- 14:22 – Our world faces tough challenges today. In your view, how can education contribute to solutions?
- 28:44 – Just for fun: What is your best estimate for the percentage of educators in your building who are active on EDU Twitter?
- 35:14 – What are some of your hopes for 2021?
- 42:30 – How can we connect with you?
Connect with the EDU Sisters on Twitter
- 🔥 Hedreich Nichols @Hedreich
- 🔥 Bonnie Nieves @BiologyGoddess
- 🔥 Abigail French @AWFrench1
- 🔥 Kellie Bahri @KBahri5
Catch the Next Teachers on Fire Roundtable LIVE

As of this post, I’m still appearing weekly on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Twitch at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time/11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. I’d love to see you join us and would be happy to feature your questions and comments on the show!

Connect with the Teachers on Fire Podcast on Social Media
- On Twitter @TeachersOnFire
- On Instagram @TeachersOnFire
- On Facebook @TeachersOnFire
- On LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/TimWCavey
- On Medium on The Teachers on Fire Magazine
- On YouTube @TeachersOnFire
Subscribe to the Teachers on Fire Podcast on Your Mobile Device
- On Apple Podcasts
- On Google Podcasts
- On Anchor
- On Spotify
January 10, 2021

The 10,000 Push-Up Challenge

Fitness, Roundtable, Self-Care

Fitness, Roundtable, Self-Care
In this edition of the Roundtable, host Tim Cavey connects with seven of the 171 inspiring educators who have joined the Teachers on Fire 10,000 Push-Up Challenge in 2021. The Challenge isn’t just about bragging rights … it’s about helping educators build new habits that will permanently improve their fitness so they can be at their best and serve others at full capacity!

Questions That Guided Our Discussion
- 1:37 – Who are you and what does your context in education look like?
- 6:52 – What is your why for the push-up challenge? Where does your motivation come from
- 14:06 – How is the challenge going so far for you? Update us.
- 19:46 – What are your tips, tricks, or strategies for getting in your reps and keeping this going with consistency?
- 28:04 – Let us know how we can connect with you and your work in 2021!
Connect with These Courageous Panelists
- Stephanie Edmonds @ClassDisripti0n
- Taila McKenzie @heymsmckayy
- Kimberly Burke @Burke_Kim_Coach
- Aurra Kawanzaruwa @Ms_Aurra
- Craig Collins @CraigCCollins
- Andrew Canle @AJCanle
- Andrew Dobbie @A_Dobbie11
Over 172 educators are tracking their push-ups through 2021. Leave a message in the comments to join us!

Catch the Next Teachers on Fire Roundtable LIVE

As of this post, I’m still appearing weekly on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Twitch at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time/11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. I’d love to see you join us and would be happy to feature your questions and comments on the show!

Connect with the Teachers on Fire Podcast on Social Media
- On Twitter @TeachersOnFire
- On Instagram @TeachersOnFire
- On Facebook @TeachersOnFire
- On LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/TimWCavey
- On Medium on The Teachers on Fire Magazine
- On YouTube @TeachersOnFire
Subscribe to the Teachers on Fire Podcast on Your Mobile Device
- On Apple Podcasts
- On Google Podcasts
- On Anchor
- On Spotify
January 4, 2021

What’s YOUR One Word for 2021?

One Word

One Word, One Word 2021
In this edition of the Roundtable, host Tim Cavey connects with eight inspiring educators to discuss their One Word for 2021: the word that best encapsulates their goals, values, and vision.

Questions That Guided Our Discussion
- 1:07 – Who are you and what is your current context in education?
- 5:39 – As we say goodbye to 2020, what’s one thing you’re taking with you? Let’s share some lessons, some growth moments, or unexpected highlights.
- 18:33 – In your mind, what’s the power behind the One Word practice?
- 26:33 – It’s show time! What’s your One Word for 2021 and why?
- 48:55 – How can we connect with you?
The Panelists and Their One Word for 2021
- Marisa Thompson @MarisaEThompson: INTENTION
- Debbie Tannenbaum @TannenbaumTech: TRANSFORMATION
- Tammy Breitweiser @TLBreit: PUSH
- Santiago Meza @SantiagoAM115: GO
- Natalie Conway @AOENatalie: VULNERABILITY
- Stephanie Rothstein @Steph_EdTech: CREATE
- Livia Chan @LiviaChanL: WHY
- Bryon Carpenter @BryonCar: APPRECIATE
Catch the Next Teachers on Fire Roundtable LIVE

As of this post, I’m still appearing weekly on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time/11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. I’d love to see you join us and would be happy to feature your questions and comments on the show!

Connect with the Teachers on Fire Podcast on Social Media
- On Twitter @TeachersOnFire
- On Instagram @TeachersOnFire
- On Facebook @TeachersOnFire
- On LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/TimWCavey
- On Medium on The Teachers on Fire Magazine
- On YouTube @TeachersOnFire
Subscribe to the Teachers on Fire Podcast on Your Mobile Device
- On Apple Podcasts
- On Google Podcasts
- On Anchor
- On Spotify
December 31, 2020

AnnMarie Thomas: Playing, Learning, and Making

Author, Creativity, Makerspace, MN, Play-Based Learning, Professors

Author, Creativity, Makerspace, MN, Play-Based Learning, Professors
Meet Dr. AnnMarie Thomas

DR. ANNMARIE THOMAS is the director of the Playful Learning Lab, creator of Squishy Circuits, author of Making Makers, co-founder of OK Go Sandbox (co-PI), and a professor of Engineering and Entrepreneurship at the University of St. Thomas. Dr. AnnMarie has also given a number of TED Talks and was the 2020 recipient of the international LEGO prize.

Questions That Guided Our Conversation

3:34 – Let’s start off by digging a little deeper into your work at the Playful Learning Lab. What is your mission and vision there, and what does your work look like?

7:36 – AnnMarie, in response to schools closed by COVID-19 in recent weeks, you recently co-created the The PlayLine Resource Guide, which provides play-based activity ideas and hosts supportive digital meet-ups for educators. Can you tell us more about the thinking behind this resource? Who is it aimed at, and what can educators expect to gain when they visit the site?

13:15 – We also need to touch on your receipt of the $100,000 2020 Lego Prize for your work dealing with how children learn through play. How did you earn it? Tell us more about the work LEGO is doing in this regard.

16:40 – As you look across your professional learning network and your own practice, what else is setting you on fire about education and learning today?

19:19 – How are you looking to grow professionally and improve your practice next year? Can you share about a specific professional goal or project that you’re currently working on?

21:13 – Share about one personal habit or productivity hack that contributes to your success.

Voices That Spark AnnMarie’s Thinking and Ignite Her Practice
- On Twitter: @MadameSTEM
- Her EdTech Tool Pick: Zoom
- Her Books Picks: Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7) by J. K. Rowling and The Calculating Stars: A Lady Astronaut Novel by Mary Robinette Kowal
- On YouTube: Bill Vicars (sign language)
- On Netflix: The Umbrella Academy
Connect with Dr. AnnMarie
- On Twitter 1 @amptMN
- On Twitter 2 @PlayLearnLab
- On Twitter 3 @OKGoSandbox
- On Twitter 4 @ThePlayLine
- On Instagram 1 @AnnMarie.P.Thomas
- On Instagram 2 @legoeducation
- On her website 1 at https://www.annmarie-thomas.com
- On her website 2 at www.PlayfulLearningLab.org
- On her Youtube channel at AnnMarieThomas1979
- At her book, Making Makers: Kids, Tools, and the Future of Innovation
Connect with the Teachers on Fire Podcast on Social Media
- On Twitter @TeachersOnFire
- On Instagram @TeachersOnFire
- On Facebook @TeachersOnFire
- On LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/TimWCavey
- On Medium on the Teachers on Fire Magazine
- On YouTube @Teachers On Fire
- On Voxer @TeachersOnFire
Listen to the Teachers on Fire Podcast on Your Mobile Device
- On Apple Podcasts
- On Google Podcasts
- On Anchor
- On Spotify
Song Track Credits
- Sunrise Drive by South London Hifi*
- Anthem by The Grand Affair*
- Species by Diamond Ortiz
- *tracks courtesy of the YouTube Audio Library
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