Teaching Matters Podcast

08/27/2026

NEW EPISODE
Dr. Kara Stern of SchoolStatus discusses the importance of early intervention to mitigate chronic absenteeism. In this discussion, learn about trends in the data on absenteeism and what successful districts are doing to change the curve.
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juqURzBYprY
Listen on the NPR App or your favorite podcasting platform!

✅ BONUS CONTENT
📊 NEW REPORT, JUST RELEASED
When Dr. Stern joined us on the Teaching Matters Podcast, she previewed a report that hadn't been published yet. It's out now and details three-years of data showing how targeted interventions can reduce absenteeism to below the national average.
https://www.schoolstatus.com/resource/2026-attendance-trends-report?utm_source=press_release&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=schoolstatus_26q3_cd_report_2025-26_attendance_trends

08/18/2026

Catch a sneak-peek of Frank Cullen, Executive Director of Council for Innovation Promotion, talking about back-to-school shopping safety. Podcast available now for viewing on YouTube or listening on your favorite Podcasting Platform!

08/18/2026

📢 New Episode Alert: Teaching Matters Podcast! 🍎✏️

As the back-to-school rush begins, families are bracing for costs nearing $1,000 in supplies. But there’s a hidden danger lurking in our digital shopping carts: Counterfeit goods.

In our latest episode, I sit down with Frank Cullen, Executive Director of the Council for Innovation Promotion (C4IP), to pull back the curtain on this massive problem.

We dive into:
🚫 Why U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized over $7 billion in fake goods last year.
⚖️ How the pending SHOP SAFE Act could change the rules for online marketplaces and hold them accountable.
💡 Practical, actionable steps you can take to ensure you’re buying safe, authentic supplies and electronics for your students this year.

Don’t get caught with fakes! Listen now to stay informed and shop smart. 🎧👇

YouTube Link Live NOW: https://youtu.be/j6R6tXQfZNA

As families gear up for a school year that will cost them close to ...

08/17/2026

07/10/2026

Do you wonder if test scores are missing the real story of student learning? Let's dive in! In our latest episode, Dr Katie Minihan of Project Lead the Way explores deeper metrics that truly reflect how students learn. Test scores, GPAs, and graduation rates are just the tip of the iceberg. Understanding the nuances of student engagement and learning outcomes can redefine our approach to education.
Why does this matter? Because true assessment goes beyond numbers; it encompasses the entire learning experience.
Join us in uncovering insights that can reshape our educational landscape. Tag someone who wants to think more about assessment objectives!
Youtube: https://youtu.be/yUhY63TNlkw

06/18/2026

Can online schools create real community?
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At Laurel Springs they can! Alyssa Tormala joins us to talk about how her school builds social bonds through clubs and meetups. Community isn’t just a perk in online school, it’s a core part of the experience. They build in social engagement at every turn, from virtual clubs to in-person events. Relationships blossom when students meet face-to-face, proving connection is about intention, not location.
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Watch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts or NPR.

06/08/2026

Jim Hall, the CEO of the K-12 Coalition, joins us as a guest on the Teaching Matters Podcast to talk with us about the effectiveness of professional development in K-12 Education. The K-12 Coalition is a national education organization that provides consulting, certifications, and professional development. To watch more, head to the links in our bio!

06/05/2026

We talk a lot about rebuilding after disasters—but what about the students still carrying the impact years later?

Recovery isn’t just about infrastructure. It’s about mental health, learning, and the communities left healing long after the headlines fade.

A recent report on Katrina’s 20-year anniversary highlights a tough reality: many schools still overlook the long-term struggles of students and teachers.

How can schools build real resilience—not just recovery?

👇 Share your thoughts and tag someone working in education or community recovery.

06/05/2026

Creating connections for Teaching Matters in South American! We are so happy to have the opportunity to make connections in Peru and for the opportunity to work with you and use tips from teaching matters on how to better learning for students in Caraz Peru! 🇵🇪 🇺🇸

05/22/2026

In case you’ve missed out on this season, here is a recap for you!!

At Teaching Matters we believe that our community starts and ends with teachers. With the end of the school year coming for teachers and professors across the world, we wanted to bring together a compilation of our recent episodes for you!
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