Jennifer Gonzalez is a National Board Certified teacher. Her twelve years of classroom experience include teaching English language arts in middle school and preparing pre-service teachers at the college level. In 2013 she started her blog, Cult of Pedagogy, where she shares effective teaching practices, curates top-notch educational resources, explores how race and culture intersect…

Too often we ask kids “what are you doing?” instead of “what are you learning?” Because of that we as educators focus on designing lessons around tasks and compliance instead of learning content through impactful ways. We are doing a disservice by our current state of mind. Tune in to hear how we can change…

The summer is a great time to unwind and rejuvenate! But, beware of the summer trap of regression- yes, it happens to teachers too! If you don’t take time to learn new skills and try new things you too will lose your spark as a teacher. You must reach your own potential to help your…

To be a great teacher requires a multi-tasking ability unlike any other. Each student has their own learning needs and with the heavy demands on districts today, a teacher can easily feel like they are herding cats or putting on a three ring circus. However, there’s a simple secret to survival- its called classroom management.…

I didn’t know the difference between group work and collaboration, but not knowing was having a detrimental effect on my students. Educators, we have got to create opportunities for rich discussion and collaboration by replacing standard group work tendencies. This podcast episode shares some of my personal journey as a teacher but was inspired by…

Katie is a second year elementary ESL [English as a Second Language] teacher. She currently works in Charlotte, NC but is originally from Illinois. Due to student allotment numbers tied to funding and student need, Katie has moved schools each year she has taught and has already been told she will be relocated in the…

Tune in as I share a recent perspective shift based on my experience interviewing a future teacher. He shared “What Makes the Young Good” and it will surely help you pay it forward and ensure your own students reach their potential and beyond! Quotables One of the quotes I live by and my dad says…

The testing craze is overwhelming for students and teachers. Snag 10 strategies to make the testing season effective and enjoyable for all. (See Episode 12 “More than a Test Score” for more insights.) Breathe Test Taking Strategy Acronym Poster– created by Always A Lesson on Teachers Pay Teachers Quotables Skills are what make people successful,…

Teachers often feel they need to put on a dog and pony show just to keep their job. The truth is, there is strength in what is simple. Tune in to this episode to hear how you can be effective without any frills. Be good at the basics and you will increase your proficiency in…

Many times the struggles occurring in a classroom point back to a decision a teacher did or did not make. Often times its what is omitted from expectations that students exploit and that causes many obstacles teachers are currently facing in classrooms today. Tune in to hear how to do it on purpose to set…