The Modern Classroom Blog
Resources, opportunities, and perspectives from the Modern Classrooms Team.
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Rethinking Grades: Starr Sackstein on Learner-Centered Classrooms
In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by Starr Sackstein, the Massachusetts State Coordinator for Educators Rising, which advocates for learner-centered classrooms and challenges traditional grading methods.
Progress Tracking Made Simple: Wavio Pulse in the Modern Classroom
In this episode, guest host Aimee Yocom welcomes Dana Kravchick from Wavio, a platform designed to support self-paced, mastery-based learning.
When an A Isn’t Everything: Redefining Success for High-Achieving Students
In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by Jocelyn Hieatzman, a fifth-year implementer and veteran teacher, to discuss supporting advanced students in a self-paced learning environment.
An Eye on Tempe, Arizona: A Fifth-Grade Team’s Journey to Student Independence
In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by Madeline Cole, Abby Munn, Amy Wisehart, a fifth-grade teaching team, to share their collaborative journey into mastery-based, self-paced learning.
Helping Gifted Students Thrive Through Self-Paced Learning
In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by Alexandra Clough, a gifted education specialist, to discuss gifted and advanced learning (GAL).
Teaching in the Age of AI: Why Connection Still Comes First
In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by Carlos Canela to discuss the integration of AI in the classroom, emphasizing the critical importance of connection in learning.
Reframing Failure: How One Bronx Teacher Builds Student Agency and Confidence
In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by Ernest Rodriguez, a high school teacher from the Bronx, to discuss learned helplessness in the classroom.
Driving Toward Mastery in Health, PE, and Driver’s Ed
In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by Debbie Fry, a PE, Health, and Driver Educator of 22 years, to share her journey implementing a blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning environment.
Hacking Student Engagement: Cybersecurity, AI, and Self-Paced Learning in the Modern Classroom
In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by Sam Meisenburg, a cyber security and AI training expert, discussing his experience implementing Modern Classrooms Project methodologies with high school students.
Beyond Dodgeball: How One Teacher Is Creating Inclusive, Student-Centered Movement Spaces
In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by Jake Bersin, a seasoned health and PE teacher, to talk about his extensive experience and his journey into the Modern Classrooms Project.
Modern Classrooms Project & Credit Recovery
In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by the St. Paul Public Schools credit recovery team, consisting of Amy, Kara, Renee, and Sierra, to share their innovative approach to alternative education.
Redefining Hands-On Learning: How Self-Pacing Transforms the FACS Classroom
In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by Mauranda Comley, a Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) teacher, to talk about her experiences implementing a self-paced learning environment.
How One Elementary Teacher Blends iReady with the Modern Classrooms Model
In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by Teri McNulty, an elementary school teacher, who shares her experiences implementing the Modern Classrooms Project model, particularly focusing on integrating it with the iReady curriculum.
Teaching for Tomorrow: Skills-Based Learning in a Modern Classroom
In this episode, Zach Diamond is joined by Carson Hickox, a middle school social studies teacher, to share his journey implementing the Modern Classrooms Project model.
Empowering Teachers Through Coaching: Lessons from Hoover City Schools’ Modern Classrooms Journey
In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by Jamie Nutter, a technology instructional coach, to discuss implementation in Hoover City Schools.
Tech Integration & Human Connection in Social Studies
In this episode, Frank Hernandez, a 30-year veteran educator to talk about his journey in education and his embrace of the Modern Classrooms model in his social studies classes.
Modern Classrooms in Kindergarten: Key Insights from the Podcast
In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by Saenovia Smith, a kindergarten teacher, to share what successful implementation of the Modern Classrooms Project looks like in kindergarten.
Discussing Transitions with Toni Rose and Zach Diamond
In this episode, co-hosts Toni Rose Deanon and Zach Diamond discuss Zach’s transition to teaching high school digital media production.
Key Takeaways: Robert Barnett on Meeting Every Learner's Needs
In this episode, Zach Diamond is joined by MCP’s Co-founder, Rob Barnett to talk more about his new book, "Meet Every Learner's Needs."
Parallel Perspectives from Elementary Special Education
In this episode, Zach Diamond is joined by Leslie Pittman, a special educator from Baltimore City Schools to discuss her sixth year in education and her role in teaching math to grades three through five.