Episodios

  • The Science of Engaging Literacy Instruction

    The Science of Engaging Literacy Instruction
    Jul 28 2025
    Welcome to Literacy with Laura, a professional development series featuring Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer from the 95 Percent Group. In this final episode, Jeff Bradbury and Laura Stewart discuss key topics in literacy education, focusing on intervention strategies, the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) model, curriculum recommendations, and engaging instructional practices. They emphasize the importance of collaboration among educators and the need for effective professional development to enhance teaching outcomes. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Subscribe to My Weekly Newsletter To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Conversation Takeaways
    • Intervention is about accelerating progress for all students.
    • A multi-tiered system of support is essential for literacy.
    • All students should receive instruction during intervention time.
    • Curriculum should align with the goals of instruction.
    • Explicit instructional dialogue aids teacher understanding.
    • Teachers need professional learning to effectively teach reading.
    • Engaging instruction is crucial for student motivation.
    • 30 to 45 minutes is a general guideline for tiered instruction.
    • The 95% group phonics core program is highly recommended.
    • Advocating for comprehensive support is vital for educators.

    Chapters
    • 00:00 Introduction to Literacy with Laura
    • 00:50 Understanding Intervention in Literacy
    • 05:27 Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Explained
    • 08:36 Curriculum Recommendations for Literacy
    • 11:20 Engaging Instruction: Making Learning Exciting
    • 15:50 Final Thoughts and Advice for Educators

    About our Guests Laura Stewart Laura Stewart is the Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group. She is a nationally recognized Science of Reading and Structured Literacy advocate who has dedicated her career to improving literacy achievement at leading education companies. Stewart has more than 25 years of academic leadership experience. Most recently, she served as the Chief Innovation Officer for The Reading League and Chief Academic Officer for professional development with the Highlights Education Group. Other key education roles include vice president of professional development for the Rowland Reading Foundation and Zaner-Bloser, school district administrator and adjunct professor. She is the author of several training guides and training workshops, as well as 12 children’s books, and the co-author of The Everything Guide to Informational Text, K-2: Best Texts, Best Practices (Corwin Press, 2014). She serves on several advisory boards, including The Path Forward for Teacher Preparation and Licensure in Early Literacy. About the 95 Percent Group 95 Percent Group is an education company whose mission is to build on science to empower teachers—supplying the knowledge, resources, and support they need—to develop strong readers. Using an approach that is based in structured literacy, the company’s One95 Literacy Ecosystem™ integrates professional learning and evidence-based literacy products into one cohesive system that supports consistent instructional routines across tiers and is proven and trusted to help students close skill gaps and read fluently. 95 Percent Group is also committed to advancing research, best practices, and thought leadership on the science of reading more broadly. For additional information on 95 Percent Group, visit:
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    20 m
  • How Mentorship Transforms Education and Leadership featuring Stephen Minix

    How Mentorship Transforms Education and Leadership featuring Stephen Minix
    Jul 23 2025
    In this episode of Digital Learning Today, we dive into the transformative power of mentorship with Stephen Minix, a former educator turned corporate leader. Stephen shares his journey from the classroom to the boardroom, highlighting how mentorship has shaped his path and continues to influence his work at Upmetrics. Discover how mentorship can be a free, yet invaluable resource in both personal and professional realms, and learn how Stephen's experiences with mentors have fueled his passion for giving back. Whether you're an educator, a leader, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode offers insights into the profound impact of mentorship on building communities and fostering growth. Tune in to explore how you can harness the power of mentorship in your own life. Become a High-Impact Leader: This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."
    • Strategic Vision for Digital Learning: Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported.
    • Curriculum Design and Implementation: Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.
    • Effective Instructional Coaching: Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage.

    Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today! Key Takeaways:
    • Mentorship as a Lifelong Resource: Stephen Minix emphasizes that mentorship is a free and endless resource that can significantly impact personal and professional growth.
    • Translating Skills Across Sectors: The skills and experiences gained in education can be effectively translated into the corporate world, highlighting the adaptability and relevance of educators in various sectors.
    • The Power of Storytelling: Combining data with personal stories can create a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences and stakeholders, making it easier to communicate impact and attract support.
    • Building Relationships at Scale: Stephen shares how building a network of quality relationships has been crucial in his journey, providing support and opportunities for collaboration.
    • Inspiration Over Indoctrination: When working with adults, it's essential to inspire rather than dictate, understanding their perspectives and helping them see the value in their contributions.
    • Mentorship Beyond Titles: Mentorship is not limited to formal titles; it can come from anyone with intention and insight, offering guidance and support in various forms.
    • Clarity in Mission and Impact: Organizations should focus on clarity in their mission and the impact they aim to achieve, which can help in attracting funding and support.
    • Personal Reflection and Growth: Stephen reflects on past experiences, emphasizing the importance of using teachable moments to grow and improve as a mentor and leader.

    Chapters:
    • 00:00 Introduction to TeacherCast and Digital Learning Today
    • 01:46
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    46 m
  • How Decodable Texts Transform Early Reading Development

    How Decodable Texts Transform Early Reading Development
    Jul 21 2025
    Welcome to Literacy with Laura, the first in a professional development series featuring Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer from the 95 Percent Group. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury and Laura Stewart explore key aspects of literacy instruction, focusing on the differences between reading skills and strategies, the importance of oral reading fluency, and effective methods to support English language arts instruction. They also discuss the significance of decodable texts in early reading development and provide practical tips for educators. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Subscribe to My Weekly Newsletter To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Conversation Takeaways
    • Skills are foundational abilities that children develop through practice.
    • Reading strategies help students engage with text meaningfully.
    • Accuracy in oral reading fluency is crucial for comprehension.
    • Decodable texts support the development of decoding habits.
    • High impact, repeatable routines maximize cognitive energy for learning.
    • Explicit instruction benefits all students, including English learners.
    • Utilizing students' home language can enhance learning.
    • Oral language is a vital scaffold for English learners.
    • Visual aids and graphic organizers support comprehension.
    • Realia provides tangible experiences to enhance vocabulary.

    Chapters
    • 00:00 Introduction to Literacy and Instruction
    • 01:29 Understanding Skills vs. Strategies in Reading
    • 03:26 Oral Reading Fluency: Accuracy and Comprehension
    • 06:10 Supporting English Language Arts Instruction
    • 11:13 The Importance of Decodable Texts

    About our Guests Laura Stewart Laura Stewart is the Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group. She is a nationally recognized Science of Reading and Structured Literacy advocate who has dedicated her career to improving literacy achievement at leading education companies. Stewart has more than 25 years of academic leadership experience. Most recently, she served as the Chief Innovation Officer for The Reading League and Chief Academic Officer for professional development with the Highlights Education Group. Other key education roles include vice president of professional development for the Rowland Reading Foundation and Zaner-Bloser, school district administrator and adjunct professor. She is the author of several training guides and training workshops, as well as 12 children’s books, and the co-author of The Everything Guide to Informational Text, K-2: Best Texts, Best Practices (Corwin Press, 2014). She serves on several advisory boards, including The Path Forward for Teacher Preparation and Licensure in Early Literacy. About the 95 Percent Group 95 Percent Group is an education company whose mission is to build on science to empower teachers—supplying the knowledge, resources, and support they need—to develop strong readers. Using an approach that is based in structured literacy, the company’s One95 Literacy Ecosystem™ integrates professional learning and evidence-based literacy products into one cohesive system that supports consistent instructional routines across tiers and is proven and trusted to help students close skill gaps and read fluently. 95 Percent Group is also committed to advancing research, best practices, and thought leadership on the science of reading more broadly. For additional information on 95 Percent Group, visit:
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    19 m
  • Google for Education News and Updates: Gemini – Google Classroom – Vids … Oh My!

    Google for Education News and Updates: Gemini – Google Classroom – Vids … Oh My!
    Jul 16 2025
    Welcome to Digital Learning Today. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury explores the strategic systems that shape the future of education, focusing on Instructional Coaching, Artificial Intelligence, Professional Learning, and the latest Educational Technology Trends. In this episode, Jeffrey Bradbury interviews Andrew Caffrey, CEO of Canopy Education, discussing the latest developments in Google education tools, the integration of AI in classrooms, and the launch of Education Magazine. They explore the role of Canopy Education in professional development, the importance of structured training for teachers, and the potential of Google Vids as an educational tool. The conversation emphasizes the need for educators to adapt to new technologies while maintaining a focus on effective teaching and learning practices. Become a High-Impact Leader: This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."
    • Strategic Vision for Digital Learning: Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported.
    • Curriculum Design and Implementation: Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.
    • Effective Instructional Coaching: Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage.

    Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today! Key Takeaways:
    • Canopy Education focuses on training teachers to use technology effectively in classrooms.
    • AI integration in education is evolving, with tools like Gemini being introduced.
    • Professional development should be structured and focused on specific tools or areas.
    • Google Classroom offers various tools to assist teachers in content creation.
    • Education Magazine aims to provide resources specifically for teachers using Google and Canva.
    • Google Vids is now available to all editions of Google, enhancing video use in classrooms.
    • Teachers should not rush to adopt new tools without proper training and understanding.
    • The importance of teaching and learning should guide the use of technology in education.
    • Canopy Education is a community interest company focused on making a difference in education.
    • Feedback from educators is crucial for improving educational tools and resources.

    Chapters:
    • 00:00 Introduction to Canopy Education and ISTE Experience
    • 02:42 Understanding Canopy Education's Role in Professional Development
    • 05:56 Exploring Google Classroom and AI Integration
    • 08:51 The Evolution of AI in Education
    • 11:49 Navigating Google Classroom Features
    • 14:33 Launching Canopy Education Magazine
    • 17:48 Determining Content for Canopy Education Magazine
    • 19:15 Teaching and Learning as a Core Focus
    • 20:32 Selective Adoption of Educational Tools
    • 21:38 Exploring Google Vids for Classroom Use
    • 23:30 Video Evidence in Education
    • 24:53 Integration of Google Tools in Classrooms
    • 25:49 Classroom Management with Google Tools
    • 28:37 Strategizing Instructional Coaching for New Tools
    • 30:06 Professional Development Resources for Educators
    • ...
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    40 m
  • Empowering Educators through Dynamic Professional Development

    Empowering Educators through Dynamic Professional Development
    Jul 14 2025
    Welcome to Literacy with Laura, a professional development series featuring Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer from the 95 Percent Group. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury and Laura Stewart discuss the importance of professional development in literacy education. They address questions from listeners about summer training for new literacy roles and foundational knowledge for secondary teachers in reading intervention. The conversation emphasizes the significance of structured literacy and the need for continuous professional learning to support educators in their roles as reading teachers. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Subscribe to My Weekly Newsletter To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Conversation Takeaways
    • Professional development is crucial for literacy educators.
    • Summer training can enhance skills for new roles.
    • Resources like Top 10 Tools by 95% Group are valuable.
    • Secondary teachers need foundational knowledge in reading.
    • Every teacher plays a role in teaching reading.
    • Relentless focus is needed for struggling readers.
    • Low literacy can lead to serious life outcomes.
    • Structured literacy is essential for effective teaching.
    • Intervention should be proactive and preventative.
    • Continuous learning is key for educational success.

    View Our Episode on YouTube Chapters
    • 00:00 Introduction to Professional Development in Literacy
    • 01:14 Summer Training for New Literacy Roles
    • 04:38 Foundational Knowledge for Secondary Reading Intervention
    • 08:33 Looking Ahead: Instruction and Assessment

    About our Guests Laura Stewart Laura Stewart is the Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group. She is a nationally recognized Science of Reading and Structured Literacy advocate who has dedicated her career to improving literacy achievement at leading education companies. Stewart has more than 25 years of academic leadership experience. Most recently, she served as the Chief Innovation Officer for The Reading League and Chief Academic Officer for professional development with the Highlights Education Group. Other key education roles include vice president of professional development for the Rowland Reading Foundation and Zaner-Bloser, school district administrator and adjunct professor. She is the author of several training guides and training workshops, as well as 12 children’s books, and the co-author of The Everything Guide to Informational Text, K-2: Best Texts, Best Practices (Corwin Press, 2014). She serves on several advisory boards, including The Path Forward for Teacher Preparation and Licensure in Early Literacy. About the 95 Percent Group 95 Percent Group is an education company whose mission is to build on science to empower teachers—supplying the knowledge, resources, and support they need—to develop strong readers. Using an approach that is based in structured literacy, the company’s One95 Literacy Ecosystem™ integrates professional learning and evidence-based literacy products into one cohesive system that supports consistent instructional routines across tiers and is proven and trusted to help students close skill gaps and read fluently. 95 Percent Group is also committed to advancing research, best practices, and thought leadership on the science of reading more broadly. For additional information on 95 Percent Group, visit: https://www.95percentgroup.com....
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    10 m
  • Revolutionize Your Classroom with BenQ Interactive Boards | ISTE 2025 Exclusive

    Revolutionize Your Classroom with BenQ Interactive Boards | ISTE 2025 Exclusive
    Jul 14 2025
    At the ISTE+ASCD Conference in San Antonio Texas, Jeff Bradbury from the TeacherCast Educational Network met with Lauren McMillian, Field Application Engineer and Carly Burton-Sallay, Sr. Marketing Manager at BenQ to learn how their interactive boards are revolutionizing classroom instruction by providing teachers the opportunity to teach using the applications they are comfortable with from anywhere in their classrooms. For more information, please visit www.BenQBoard.com If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Subscribe to My Weekly Newsletter To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. About BenQ BenQ is a world-renowned innovator in visual display solutions, dedicated to creating smarter, healthier, and more connected education environments. With leading technologies in interactivity, eye-care, and wireless collaboration, BenQ’s education solutions are deployed in thousands of classrooms worldwide. For more information, please visit: https://www.benq.com/en-us/education.html. Links of Interest
    • www.BenQBoard.com
    • Teach Your Way with BenQ Boards

    BenQ Products:
      • Interactive Displays
        • RP04: https://www.benq.com/en-us/education/benq-board-interactive-displays/rp04-pro-series-board.html
        • RM04: https://www.benq.com/en-us/education/benq-board-interactive-displays/rm04-master-series-board.html
        • RE04: https://www.benq.com/en-us/education/benq-board-interactive-displays/re04-essential-series-board.html

      • Digital Signage
        • SL04: https://www.benq.com/en-us/education/digital-signage/sl04-pantone-validated-signage.html

      • BenQ InstaShow™ Wireless Collaboration
        • https://www.benq.com/en-us/business/wireless-presentation/instashow-wireless-collaboration.html

      • IdeaCam
        • https://www.benq.com/en-us/ideacam/supreme/s1-pro.html


    • BenQ Playlist
      • https://view.genially.com/676d8aa7cdadad491831ceb4

    • BenQ EZWrite Updates
      • https://view.genially.com/681e0b15b95e84f2ac08535e


    Follow Our Podcast And Subscribe
    • View All Episodes
    • Apple Podcasts
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    5 m
  • Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Enhanced Student Engagement featuring David Monson from SchoolAI

    Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Enhanced Student Engagement featuring David Monson from SchoolAI
    Jul 11 2025
    Welcome to Digital Learning Today. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury explores the strategic systems that shape the future of education, focusing on Instructional Coaching, Artificial Intelligence, Professional Learning, and the latest Educational Technology Trends. In this episode, Jeff Bradbury discusses the highlights from the ISTE and ASCD conference, focusing on the innovative features of SchoolAI with Dave Monson, Head of Design. The conversation covers the importance of AI in education, addressing teacher concerns about privacy and security, and the role of data-driven insights in enhancing student engagement. The episode also emphasizes the need for supportive policies in schools and provides resources for instructional coaches to effectively implement AI tools in their classrooms. Become a High-Impact Leader: This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."
    • Strategic Vision for Digital Learning: Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported.
    • Curriculum Design and Implementation: Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.
    • Effective Instructional Coaching: Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage.

    Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today! Key Takeaways:
    • The ISTE conference brought together 15,000 educators to discuss educational innovations.
    • SchoolAI offers free access for teachers, making it accessible for all.
    • AI tools can significantly enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
    • Privacy and security are top priorities for AI in education.
    • Teachers can use AI to create personalized learning experiences for students.
    • Data dashboards provide valuable insights into student performance and engagement.
    • AI can support students' emotional well-being by facilitating personal conversations.
    • Developing clear AI policies is essential for schools to navigate new technologies.
    • Instructional coaches play a crucial role in implementing AI tools in classrooms.
    • SchoolAI provides a marketplace of resources created by educators for educators.

    Chapters:
    • 00:00 Introduction to TeacherCast and ISTE Conference Highlights
    • 02:06 Exploring SchoolAI: Features and Benefits
    • 05:13 Addressing Teacher Concerns: Privacy and Security in AI
    • 08:51 Getting Started with AI in the Classroom
    • 10:57 Data-Driven Insights: Using Dashboards for Student Engagement
    • 14:06 Supporting Student Well-Being: AI's Role in Personal Conversations
    • 15:43 Developing AI Policies in Schools
    • 18:26 Resources for Instructional Coaches and Educators

    Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
    • Sign up for product showcase now: https://schoolai.com/showcase

    About our Guest: David Monson is the Head of Design at SchoolAI, where he brings a unique blend of classroom experience and global design leadership. A former educator who taught product design, David is passionate about creating...
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    28 m
  • Science of Reading Explained: Is It Just a Fad?

    Science of Reading Explained: Is It Just a Fad?
    Jul 7 2025
    Welcome to Literacy with Laura, the first in a professional development series featuring Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer from the 95 Percent Group. In this inaugural episode, Laura tackles one of the most common questions about the Science of Reading: Is it just a fad? Laura explains that unlike educational trends of the past, the Science of Reading represents a vast interdisciplinary body of scientifically-based research spanning five decades and multiple disciplines. She clarifies that it's not just about phonics instruction, but rather a comprehensive approach that informs all aspects of reading and writing development. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Subscribe to My Weekly Newsletter To get our weekly Instructional Coaching Tips sent right to your inbox, please subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Conversation Takeaways
    • The science of reading is a comprehensive body of research.
    • Phonics is a crucial part of the science of reading.
    • Implementation science is key to bridging knowledge and practice.
    • Teaching involves both science and art.
    • Evidence-based practices must be deeply rooted in research.
    • The science of reading encompasses multiple disciplines.
    • Professional development is essential for educators.
    • Resources are available for further exploration of the science of reading.
    • Educators should continue to share their passions with students.

    View Our Episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/ZJ0UoreXR0E Chapters
    • 00:00 Introduction to Literacy with Laura
    • 01:28 Understanding the Science of Reading
    • 07:04 Evidence-Based Practices in Education

    About our Guests Laura Stewart Laura Stewart is the Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group. She is a nationally recognized Science of Reading and Structured Literacy advocate who has dedicated her career to improving literacy achievement at leading education companies. Stewart has more than 25 years of academic leadership experience. Most recently, she served as the Chief Innovation Officer for The Reading League and Chief Academic Officer for professional development with the Highlights Education Group. Other key education roles include vice president of professional development for the Rowland Reading Foundation and Zaner-Bloser, school district administrator and adjunct professor. She is the author of several training guides and training workshops, as well as 12 children’s books, and the co-author of The Everything Guide to Informational Text, K-2: Best Texts, Best Practices (Corwin Press, 2014). She serves on several advisory boards, including The Path Forward for Teacher Preparation and Licensure in Early Literacy. About the 95 Percent Group 95 Percent Group is an education company whose mission is to build on science to empower teachers—supplying the knowledge, resources, and support they need—to develop strong readers. Using an approach that is based in structured literacy, the company’s One95 Literacy Ecosystem™ integrates professional learning and evidence-based literacy products into one cohesive system that supports consistent instructional routines across tiers and is proven and trusted to help students close skill gaps and read fluently. 95 Percent Group is also committed to advancing research, best practices, and thought leadership on the science of reading more broadly. For additional information on 95 Percent Group, visit: https://www.95percentgroup.com. Links of Interest...
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    13 m