This conversation explores the pressing need to reimagine the role of teachers in education to enhance teacher retention, job satisfaction, and student outcomes. The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration among educators, the necessity of adapting to changing educational needs, and the challenges faced in implementing new teaching models. Key insights include the significance of leadership in fostering a supportive environment for teachers and the role of data in assessing the effectiveness of educational innovations.

Follow Twitter: @PrincipalGarden @hpeske@nctq.org @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd

Resource, Reimagining | state profiles

In 2022, Dr. Heather Peske was named NCTQ’s next President. She comes to NCTQ from her role as Senior Associate Commissioner for Instructional Support in the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MA DESE) where she implemented policies and programs across teacher development, educator preparation, and curriculum and instruction that drove historic improvements for students—including record graduation rates, the highest rating NAEP performance, and dramatic increases in higher-education participation and success. After having started her career as an elementary teacher in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Dr. Peske served as Director of Teacher Quality at The Education Trust and later as the Vice President of Programs at Teach Plus. Over her three decades in education, she has been named a “Future Chief” by Chiefs for Change (2021), a Broad Academy Fellow (2019), and a recipient of the Governor Paul Cellucci Award for Leadership and Mentoring in State Government (2017). Dr. Peske earned her master’s degree and doctorate in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Kenyon College with magna cum laude honors.

Dr. Peske is a coauthor of the award-winning book, Finders and Keepers: Helping New Teachers Survive and Thrive in Our Schools and co-editor of Learning from the Experts: Teacher Leaders on Solving America’s Education Challenges and has written reports and articles on teacher policy, teacher evaluation, alternative certification programs, new teachers’ experiences, and conceptions of career.

Liz Garden is currently the principal of the Henry P Clough Elementary School in Mendon, MA. She is the past President of MSAA. She is an Editorial Advisor for Principal Magazine and an NAESP Fellow for the Center for Innovative Leadership. She’s married to Dave, her musician husband and is mom to Emerson and Cayce.

How can we strengthen how we teach multilingual learners? We explore emerging best practices, including shifting from a deficit-based model, which focuses on what students can't do, to an asset-based model, which highlights students' strengths and abilities. Today, we discuss the need for continuous education, collaboration, and relationship-building at all levels, from teachers to administrators to central office staff.

Follow on Twitter: @debbiezacarian @delgadong94@DrRachaelGeorge @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd

Transforming Schools for Multilingual Learners: A Comprehensive Guide for Educators

Dr. Debbie Zacarian provides professional development and policy analyses for educators of culturally and linguistically diverse populations. An expert consultant for school districts, universities, and organizations nationally, she served the Massachusetts Parent Information Resource Center and Federation for Children with Special Needs.

With an advanced degree in clinical psychology and doctorate in educational policy, research, and administration, Debbie's written many books including the 2nd edition of Transforming Schools for Multilingual Learners: A Comprehensive Guide for Educators.

Altagracia H. Delgado, also known as Grace, has been in the education field for 28 years. In those years she has worked as a bilingual teacher, literacy coach, and school and central office administrator. She is an advocate for students in special populations and works in collaboration with multiple organizations to ensure appropriate services for children are in place. Grace is currently the Executive Director of Multilingual Services for Aldine ISD, in the Houston area. She is also an elected Board member of the Texas Association for Bilingual Education.

A welcoming classroom can reduce student absenteeism, a challenge exacerbated post-Covid. Listen in as we explore strategies like fostering positive peer interactions, and emphasizing community and respect. The conversation includes personal anecdotes demonstrating the power of a nurturing environment in engaging students. The participants emphasize the importance of personal connections, feedback, and ensuring every student feels validated and safe in the classroom. The episode highlights practical approaches to creating an inviting educational atmosphere and its significance in encouraging consistent student attendance.

Follow on Twitter: @MirPloMCPS @sgthomas1973 @DrRachaelGeorge @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70bd

Miriam Plotinsky is an instructional specialist with Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, where she has taught and led for more than 20 years. She is the author of Teach More, Hover Less, Lead Like a Teacher and Writing Their Future Selves. She is also a National Board-Certified Teacher with additional certification in administration and supervision. She can be reached at www.miriamplotinsky.com

Dana Cole has been teaching high school language arts in the Walker County School District in rural northwest Georgia since 2005. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she began creating video lessons to help students catch up if they missed class, and has continued to make additional videos based on areas of student need and interest and is a current co-host of the Edchat podcast. youtube.com/danacoledares.

Shawn Thomas is in her 25th year of teaching in the largest county in Georgia. She has taught Kindergarten, Second and Third Grade, and ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) K-5 and coaches new teachers. Shawn also hosts the We Just Want To Teach podcast.