Host Ana Torres is joined by nationally recognized educational consultant and thought leader Mitchell Brookins, Ph.D., to discuss what critical thinkng is and how to help students develop it. In addition to explaining why critical thinking is crucial for long-term academic success, Mitchell also gives educators four clear steps that they can implement to effectively develop critical thinking skills in their classrooms. Ana is then joined by Classroom Insider extraordinaire Eric Cross, who discusses how he encourages his students to hone their critical thinking skills in his classroom.

Show notes:

• Visit Mitchell Brookins' website: https://brookinsconsulting.org/
• Connect with Mitchell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchell-brookins-ph-d-6a7259274
• Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amplify.education/
• Subscribe to Beyond My Years: https://amplify.com/beyond-my-years
• Connect with Ana Torres: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anayansi-ana-torres-m-ed-26a10654/
• Connect with Eric Cross: https://www.ericcross.org/

Quotes:

"When you're a school administrator, you can't be confusd as to what your identity is. People expect you to step in with voice, with passion, with vision, and direct the path," —Mitchell Brookins, Ph.D.

"[Critical thinking] is actually cognitive support. It's a mental act of process in which you acquire knowledge and understanding." —Mitchell Brookins, Ph.D.

"When I see questioning that probes, that's how I know I'm in a classroom where a teacher honors students' thinking. It is an honor to hear what children have to think." —Mitchell Brookins, Ph.D.

"That's how you know your in a classroom with critical thinking: We're not rushing the conversation. We're enjoying it." —Mitchell Brookins, Ph.D.

"There's an art and a science to teaching, and I think that they're two different things." —Eric Cross

"The importance of modeling can't be overstated." —Ana Torres

As we wrap up another incredible year together, Ana revisits her Season 1 conversation with the director of STEM Initiatives at Amplify, Fawn Nguyen. Ana is joined by Classroom Insider Eric Cross to pull out some brand-new takeaways and actionable tips that educators can use right away to create a classroom environment that sets students up for success. They also look ahead and give a sneak peek of what's coming up on Beyond My Years in 2026. Before the episode's end, Fawn gives new advice for avoiding burn out in the second half of the school year by "doing less, but doing it better."

Show notes:

• Connect with Fawn Nguyen: https://fawnnguyen.substack.com/
• Subscribe to Beyond My Years https://amplify.com/beyond-my-years
• Follow us on Instagram @amplify.education
• Connect with Eric Cross: https://www.ericcross.org/
• Connect with Ana Torres: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anayansi-ana-torres-m-ed-26a10654/

Quotes:

“In my next lifetime, I would still teach, I would go back to teaching. That's how much I love it.” —Fawn Nguyen

"If I could give one piece of advice to young teachers, it would be to hold high expectations of their students." —Fawn Nguyen

"We can have high expectations of [students] and still be very compassionate and be their biggest cheerleaders." —Fawn Nguyen

“It has to be an exchange. We can't be just receiving, asking kids to be [themselves], and yet we ourselves are not.” —Fawn Nguyen

"One of the things I always believed as an educator was when we make children believe they can, they do." —Ana Torres

"Be willing to change your practice even when it challenges tradition." —Eric Cross

Alabama K–2 educator, national presenter, and curriculum author Keri Brown discusses strategies for supporting students in the math classroom. While Keri focuses on math in the episode, many of her takeaways can be applied to all subjects. Keri breaks down the power of small-group instruction, the value of multisensory hands-on manipulatives, and the role of intervention. She also explains how to help students who may already be struggling feel comfortable and confident talking about math. Classroom Insider Eric Cross then joins Ana to reinforce the importance of implementing a routine in the classroom.

Show notes:

• Instagram: @enchantedkindergarden
• Website: www.enchantedkindergarden.com
• Read Keri's blog
• Follow us on Instagram
• Subscribe to Beyond My Years
• Connect with Ana Torres
• Connect with Eric Cross

Quotes:

"When you see the light bulb come on in a kid and I'm like, Ah this is why [I teach]." —Keri Brown

"Sometimes it is hard. You're like, 'Why do I do this? The kids are this, the parents are this.' But then, you get that sweet note." —Keri Brown

"We start small with just talking to them, helping them figure out how to have a conversation about math. They can talk about everything else, but we have to teach them how to talk about math. We have to give them the words, give them the tools." —Keri Brown

"Predictable routines really help students feel safe because they know what's going to happen." —Eric Cross

"It's impactful to spend that little extra time saying, 'Let me build some relationships and show these babies how to be students in my classroom.'" —Ana Torres