PODCAST · education
Teach Smarter
by Stephanie Dinnen and Pete Siner
Teach Smarter is a podcast for educators who are tired of initiatives that don't stick and PD that doesn't translate. Hosted by former classroom teachers Stephanie Dinnen and Peter Siner, each episode digs into the real challenges of teaching, coaching, and leading schools, from instructional practice to the tools and technology worth your time. The name says it all: work smarter without losing sight of what actually works in real classrooms.
Episodes
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Pedagogies of Voice with Shane Safir & Marlo Bagsik
In this episode of Teach Smarter, Pete sits down with Shane Safir and Marlo Bagsik, co-authors of Pedagogies of Voice: Street Data and the Path to Student Agency, to discuss what it actually means to give students a voice in their education. The conversation explores the difference between...
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Elena Aguilar on Coaching, Resistance, and School Culture
In this episode, Stephanie and Pete talk with Elena Aguilar about some of the harder parts of coaching and school leadership: emotions, resistance, conflict, and team dynamics. Elena explains what she means by “emotions are data,” how leaders can acknowledge emotions without turning every...
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Why Explicit Instruction Works, with Zach Groshell
What does decades of research tell us about how students learn, and why do so many schools still move away from it? Dr. Zach Groshell returns for part two of our conversation about explicit instruction and the science of learning. This time, we move beyond instructional philosophy and look at the...
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Hope Is Not a Strategy: What Effective School Leaders Do Differently with Dr. Brandi Chin
What separates school leaders who create lasting change from those who remain stuck in cycles of good intentions? In this episode of Teach Smarter, Stephanie Dinnen sits down with Dr. Brandi Chin to discuss why hope cannot replace strategy, accountability, and consistent follow-through. Dr. Chin...
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The Future of Reading Instruction, with Matt Pasternack
Helping every child learn to read is one of the biggest challenges facing schools today. In this episode, we sit down with Matt Pasternack, founder and CEO of Once and the first employee at Clever, to discuss a different approach to early literacy. Matt shares why he believes instructional...
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Recess, Belonging, and Better Schools with Dr. McNamara
Recess is often treated as a break from learning, but what if it's actually one of the most important parts of the school day? In this episode, we sit down with Lauren McNamara, founder of Schoolyards for Thought, to explore how recess, play, and schoolyard design influence belonging, behavior,...
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The Science of Teaching Science with Marcie Samayoa
In this episode, we sit down with high school chemistry teacher and education writer Marcie Samayoa to explore one of the most overlooked conversations in education today: how we teach science. Marcie challenges the idea that students should be expected to discover complex concepts on their own...
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Adoption vs. Implementation in Literacy Instruction with Dan Reynolds
Many schools say they’ve implemented high quality instructional materials. Dan Reynolds argues most have only adopted them. In this episode, we sit down with Dan Reynolds from SRI International to unpack what schools are getting wrong about literacy instruction, curriculum implementation, and...
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The Real Work of Instructional Coaching with Dr. Jim Knight
Instructional coaching is often set up to fail. Coaches are undertrained, overloaded, and expected to change instruction without a clear model or enough time to do the work. In this episode, Peter sits down with Jim Knight, the researcher who coined the term instructional coaching, founder of the...
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Firm Goals, Flexible Means: UDL With Dr. Katie Novak
Dr. Katie Novak is one of the leading voices in Universal Design for Learning and the author of sixteen books including UDL Now and Elevating Educational Design with AI. In this episode, we talk about what UDL actually looks like when you're working with scripted curriculum, how it's different…
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What 424 Studies on SEL Actually Found | With Dr. Christina Cipriano
What does the research actually say about SEL and why does so much of what gets sold to schools fall short of the evidence? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Christina Cipriano, Associate Professor at the Yale Child Study Center and one of the leading researchers in social-emotional learning,...
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“Just Let Me Teach”: Why PD Lost Teachers, with Dr. Zach Groshell
Professional development has a trust problem. Many teachers feel burned by years of shifting initiatives, surface-level walkthroughs, and messages that miss the reality of classroom instruction. In this episode, we’re joined by Zach Groshell, teacher, instructional coach, and author of Just Tell...
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Does AI Belong in School? with Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath
In this episode, Stephanie and I speak with neuroscientist and former teacher Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath about what schools get wrong, and why so many well-intended initiatives fall apart in real classrooms. We talk about why teaching is a craft, why teachers should be treated as the core experts,...
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The 3 Drivers of Student Growth, with TNTP’s Dr. Tequilla Brownie
What actually drives student growth, and why do so few schools get it right? In this episode, Dr. Tequilla Brownie breaks down the core conditions that help students catch up and move forward. We talk about expectations, coherence, belonging, and why TNTP’s research continues to reshape how…
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A Healthier Path for Teaching and Learning, with Haili Hughes
In this episode, Stephanie talks with Haili Hughes about why so many teachers feel worn down and what actually helps. Haili explains how shared curriculum and clear systems give teachers more time, more confidence, and more control of their work. They unpack the difference between agency and...
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Student Agency and Design Thinking with Dr. Sabba Quidwai
In this episode, Peter talks with Dr. Sabba Quidwai about how educators keep agency with AI. Sabba explains why design thinking is action, not PDFs, and how her SPARK interview turns vague goals into five day wins. They dig into teaching AI as habits and mindsets, the leap from desktop thinking…
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The Teacher Retention Problem with Josh Czupryk
In this episode, Pete and Stephanie talk with Josh Czupryk about how the education job market is changing as ESSER funds expire and districts face tighter budgets. Josh shares what his data shows about which roles are shrinking, which ones are growing, and why clarity of value matters more than...
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Building Better Classrooms with Dr. Catlin Tucker
Episode DescriptionIn this episode, Pete and Stephanie talk with Catlin Tucker about what blended learning actually looks like when it’s done well. Catlin unpacks the core skill set teachers need to move beyond whole-group instruction, how to design intentional station rotations, and why…
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Balancing Tech and Teaching with Monica Burns
In this episode, we sit down with Monica Burns to talk about the real role of technology in today’s classrooms. We look at how teachers can bring AI and other digital tools into their instruction without losing sight of what matters most—teaching, learning, and student engagement. Monica shares...
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Leaders from the Classroom: Nick the History Teacher
In this episode of Teach Smarter, part of our Leaders from the Classroom series, I talk with Nick, a middle school history teacher, about how he builds writing skills through in-class modeling, real-time feedback, and consistent practice across the year. We dig into why he doesn’t let students...
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Librarians, Leadership, and Identity with Bill Bass
In this episode, Pete and Stephanie talk with Bill Bass, Innovation Coordinator for Parkway School District and former ISTE Board President, about transforming school libraries and reframing what educator resistance really means. Bill oversees 29 school librarians, 16 of whom have been named...
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Cognitive Justice in the Age of AI with Zaretta Hammond
Zaretta Hammond joins us to explore how AI and edtech can either reinforce a pedagogy of compliance or unlock true cognitive justice for students. We dig into over-scaffolding, feedback loops, the science of learning, and how teachers can reclaim their role as personal trainers of student…
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What Lasting Change in Education Really Takes with Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green
Commissioner Angélica Infante Green joins us to talk about what it actually takes to create lasting change in education. From improving attendance to implementing high-quality curriculum with fidelity, she shares how Rhode Island is staying focused without chasing the next big thing. We also get...
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Why Most EdTech Falls Short with Dr. Rachel Schechter
What does it take to create educational technology that actually works? Dr. Rachel Schechter knows better than most. With a background researching Dora the Explorer and now as founder of LXD Research, she's spent her career understanding how kids learn through media and technology. In this…
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How AI Is Reshaping School Psychology with Dr. Adam Lockwood
In this conversation, Dr. Adam B. Lockwood discusses the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on school psychology and education. He shares insights on how school psychologists are currently using AI, particularly in areas like IEP goal creation and crisis intervention. The discussion also…
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MATSOL Conference Recap: AI, WIDA, and Differentiation That Works
I had the privilege of presenting at the MATSOL Conference, where I led a session on using AI to support multilingual learners. This episode breaks down what we covered, including how to pair WIDA Can Do descriptors with tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and NotebookLM. If you're planning for...
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You Can’t Automate Trust with Crystal Frommert
Teachers know parent communication matters, but knowing how to do it well is another story. In this episode, Stephanie sits down with educator and author Crystal Frommert to unpack what meaningful communication with families actually looks like. They talk about why newsletters fall short, how to...
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Rethinking AI Literacy with Tricia Friedman
In this episode, Pete and Stephanie sit down with Tricia Friedman—Director of Learning & Strategy at Shifting Schools—to unpack what AI literacy should look like if we want students (and educators) to actually be ready for what’s coming next. Tricia introduces her REFRAME framework, explains the...
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From Data Chaos to Clarity with Chris Hull
In this episode, I talk with Chris Hull, a former teacher and the co-founder of Otus, a platform that helps schools manage assessment, data, and instruction in one place. We dig into how Otus came to be, what makes edtech actually usable, and how AI can support teachers without getting in the…
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AI Won’t Fix Higher Ed but It Might Force Us To with Dr. Nik Janos
AI isn’t just changing how students complete assignments—it’s forcing colleges to rethink everything from course design to institutional purpose. In this episode, Dr. Nik Janos, sociology professor at California State University, Chico, joins Pete and Stephanie to talk about what higher ed needs…
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What AI Lesson Plans Get Wrong (and How to Fix Them)
AI tools like ChatGPT, MagicSchool, and SchoolAI are becoming go-to lesson planners for busy teachers. But are they actually building strong instruction? In this episode, Pete and Stephanie dig into new research that says not quite. They unpack what these tools are getting wrong, why it matters,...
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Why Banning AI Might Backfire with Elliot Hedman
In this conversation, Elliot Hedman (Build Empathy) shares insights from his research on how students are using generative AI in schools, often in ways that go unnoticed by educators. Drawing on his experience designing digital learning tools for companies like LEGO, McGraw-Hill, and i-Ready,...
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Teaching Writing with AI, Not Against It with Dr. Michelle Kassorla
In this conversation, Dr. Michelle Kassorla discusses the integration of AI in the writing classroom, emphasizing the shift from teaching against AI to teaching with it. She highlights the importance of formative assessment, the need for a focus on process over product, and the significance of...
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AI Isn't a Strategy with Julie Foss
In this episode, we’re joined by Julie Foss of True Nexus Consulting to cut through the noise around AI in education. Julie brings two decades of experience as a teacher, leader, and consultant—and she’s not here to hype the latest tool. Instead, we talk about what really matters: strategic...
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Notebook LM: Google’s Quietly Game-Changing Tool
In this episode, Pete and Stephanie dive into Notebook LM, a Google AI tool designed to help users synthesize information from multiple sources. They explore its key features, practical applications in education, and how it can support teachers in implementing curricula more effectively. The...
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Turning AI Fear into Fluency with Brent Warner
Join us as we dive into the world of AI-powered language learning with Brent Warner, an award-winning community college professor and tech innovator. Brent works globally with teachers and organizations, offering practical strategies to help Multilingual Learners (MLLs) harness technology for...
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FETC 2025 – AI, EdTech, and Key Takeaways
In this episode of Teach Smarter, Pete Siner and Stephanie discuss key insights from the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) 2025, exploring the latest advancements in AI for education. They break down how AI tools should enhance—not replace—teaching, the importance of professional...
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The Tapas Approach to PBL with John Sammon and Tara Koehler
How can we transform ordinary lessons into extraordinary learning experiences? In this episode, we're joined by John Sammon and Tara Koehler, veteran educators and STEAM Professional Development Specialists from the Wappingers Central School District in New York. Together, they share their...
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How AI Can Help You Grow (Without Burning Out)
In this solo episode of Teach Smarter, Stephanie dives into how AI can help educators focus on their own growth—personally and professionally. Drawing from a powerful gardening metaphor, she shares how tools like ChatGPT can guide teachers through the January doldrums, mapping out tailored...
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MagicSchool AI: Worth the Hype or Overrated?
In this episode Peter dives into Magic School, an AI-powered platform that helps K-12 teachers with tasks like lesson planning, grading, and student tracking. Pete breaks down how the platform’s tools can save time and make teaching more efficient, while offering personalized support for…
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Smarter Test Prep with AI (Without Selling Your Soul)
In this conversation, Pete and Stephanie discuss the rapid developments in AI and its implications for education, particularly in the context of testing and data analysis. They explore how AI can help teachers manage overwhelming amounts of data and improve instructional planning, while also...
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Is It Cheating? AI, Integrity, and Assessment Truths
In this solo episode of Teach Smarter, Stephanie discusses the evolving role of AI in education, emphasizing the importance of understanding how schools and educators can effectively integrate AI into their teaching practices. She introduces the AI Assessment Scale (AIAS) as a tool to help...
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How AI Is Reshaping Classrooms—for Better or Worse
In this solo episode, Pete Siner dives into the mechanics of AI and how understanding its inner workings can transform teaching, learning, and personal efficiency. From the differences between traditional and modern AI to real-world classroom applications, Pete explains how educators can use AI…
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Can AI Actually Make Students More Creative?
In this candid and wide-ranging episode, Pete and Stephanie explore how AI can transform creativity in education. From generating dynamic assignments to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, they share practical ways teachers can use AI to reimagine instruction and inspire students. They…
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Get Better AI Results with Better Prompts
In this episode, Pete and Stephanie discuss how to effectively communicate with AI in educational settings. They introduce the TEACH framework for prompting AI, explore the concept of AI hallucinations, and emphasize the importance of feedback and iteration in AI interactions. The conversation…
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Want More Time to Teach? Use AI Like This.
Welcome to the first episode of our podcast, where we explore the intersection of AI and education. Join educators Stephanie D-R and Pete Siner as they dive into how AI is changing the way teachers work. From tackling time management to enhancing classroom efficiency, this episode sets the stage...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Teach Smarter is a podcast for educators who are tired of initiatives that don't stick and PD that doesn't translate. Hosted by former classroom teachers Stephanie Dinnen and Peter Siner, each episode digs into the real challenges of teaching, coaching, and leading schools, from instructional practice to the tools and technology worth your time. The name says it all: work smarter without losing sight of what actually works in real classrooms.
HOSTED BY
Stephanie Dinnen and Pete Siner
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Teach Smarter have?
Teach Smarter currently has 46 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Teach Smarter about?
Teach Smarter is a podcast for educators who are tired of initiatives that don't stick and PD that doesn't translate. Hosted by former classroom teachers Stephanie Dinnen and Peter Siner, each episode digs into the real challenges of teaching, coaching, and leading schools, from instructional...
How often does Teach Smarter release new episodes?
Teach Smarter has 46 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Teach Smarter?
You can listen to Teach Smarter on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Teach Smarter?
Teach Smarter is created and hosted by Stephanie Dinnen and Pete Siner.
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