PODCAST · education
Teachers Aid
by BAM Radio Network
Teachers Aid is with Jon Harper - We've refocused the show on meeting some of the biggest unmet needs every educator has. If you are an educator who gives teaching your all, but still feel that you're not doing enough, this show is for you. Tune in to get social and emotional support for the very personal challenges teachers face. We promise you that you won't hear educators talking like this every day.
Episodes
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Helping Students Manage the Incentives that Undermine Responsible AI Use
What happens when AI makes it easier to get the right answer, but easier to skip the learning? Experts in education and cognitive psychology explore a challenge deeper than AI itself: the incentives that shape how students use it. When schools reward grades, polished outputs, and task completion...
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Mini-White Boards: Where They Maximize Student Learning, Where They Don’t
This conversation delves into the use of mini whiteboards in educational settings, exploring their benefits, challenges, and the cognitive science behind their effectiveness. Educators share their experiences and insights on implementing mini whiteboards to enhance student engagement and...
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Cognitive Load Theory, Working Memory and What Teachers Can Control
In this conversation, Jon and Dylan Wiliam delve into cognitive load theory, exploring its implications for teaching and learning. They discuss the distinction between biologically primary and secondary knowledge, the importance of understanding cognitive load in the classroom, and effective...
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Mic Drop 2025: Looking Back At How Educators Effectively Managed A Wildly Chaotic Year
This 2025 year-end review of the Teachers’ Aid podcast highlights the conversations that helped educators rise to meet multiple challenges and find new ways to support students during one of the most chaotic and destabilizing years many of us have ever experienced. It captures the thinking behind...
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Unlocking Learning: How to Use Retrieval Practice To Improve Understanding for All Students
In this conversation, our guests discuss how retrieval practice can help all students learn, including those with ADHD and autism. For many teachers, this may challenge the assumption that retrieval practice only works for some learners. Instead, the discussion shows how, when used thoughtfully,...
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Teaching Practices That Make Learning Stick
The conversation explores cognitive load theory and why it matters for classroom learning, while also widening the focus to include practical teaching moves that help students learn more effectively. We talk about how working memory limits can affect what students remember, why some lessons don’t...
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Unlocking Math Success: Building Basic Fact Fluency and Foundational Skills
This conversation examines the crucial importance of math fact fluency in education, exploring effective teaching strategies, the role of parents, and the challenges faced by educators. The panel shares success stories from their classrooms, emphasizing the importance of consistent practice and...
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Why These Teachers Are Taking A Second Look At Direct Instruction and the Science Behind It
In this introductory episode, Jon discusses the concept of direct instruction with four experienced educators. They explore the definition of direct instruction, its effectiveness, common misconceptions, and actionable tips for teachers looking to implement these strategies in their classrooms.…
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The Myths We Need to Shatter Quickly to Set Realistic Expectations for Teaching In 2025
This conversation delves into the pressing issue of teacher shortages across the United States, exploring the underlying causes, the impact on teacher well-being, and strategies for recruitment and retention. The panel of educators and experts discusses the importance of understanding the context...
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Teaching History With Fidelity in an Uncertain, Politicized Climate
This conversation explores educators’ challenges and strategies in teaching history amidst changing state guidelines and societal expectations. The panel discusses the importance of balancing required content with diverse perspectives, the role of storytelling in engaging students, and the...
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What Do I Say, What Can I Do? How Educators Are Supporting Students As the Nation’s Immigration Policies Shift
This conversation explores the profound impact of recent immigration policy changes on teachers and students, focusing on the emotional and practical challenges faced in educational settings. Panelists discuss the anxiety and fear stemming from the potential presence of immigration agents in...
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How Educators Are Responding to New Federal Restrictions on DEI: What About Educators Who Support it?
This conversation explores the implications of recent changes to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in education. A panel of educators discusses how these changes affect teaching practices, classroom environments, and student relationships. They emphasize the importance of…
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What Makes a School Safe for Students and Teachers?
This conversation explores the challenges educators face in creating safe and supportive environments for students. It highlights the importance of emotional support, effective discipline, and collaboration among teachers and administrators. The discussion emphasizes the need for empathy and...
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Navigating Classroom Censorship and the Impact on Teacher Autonomy and Student Trust
This conversation explores the complexities of classroom censorship, the impact of educational policies on teacher autonomy, and the importance of fostering trust and transparency in education. Experts discuss the challenges teachers face in navigating restrictive guidelines while striving to...
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Are Foundational Writing Skills Evolving?
The conversation explores the implications of AI in education, particularly in writing. It features educators discussing foundational skills necessary for writing, the evolving nature of these skills, and the potential role of AI as a tool for enhancing learning. The participants express diverse...
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Students are Reading Less: How Can We Reverse the Trend?
A deep dive into the decline of reading among students, examining the factors contributing to this trend, including busy lifestyles, technology, and curriculum constraints. The discussion highlights the importance of fostering a love for reading through engaging teaching methods, social...
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Lightning Presentation: Teacher’s Aid Year in Review
The 2024 review of the Teacher’s Aid podcast with Jon Harper focuses on enhancing teacher well-being and providing practical strategies for educators. Key themes include managing job-related stress and anxiety, trauma-informed practices, and fostering a supportive classroom environment. Episodes...
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How Journaling Supports Our Teaching Practice, Mental Health, and Personal Growth
This conversation explores the transformative power of journaling for teachers, emphasizing its importance for reflection, mental health, and personal growth. The guests share their experiences and practical tips on how to incorporate journaling into a busy teaching schedule, highlighting the...
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Brain Synchrony: How to Leverage Neuroscience to Engage Students More Effectively
This conversation explores the significance of brain synchrony in education, emphasizing the importance of diverse teaching methods, social connections among students, and the role of teachers in facilitating engagement. The discussion highlights research findings that link student engagement to...
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Reducing Student Overwhelm in the Classroom: Navigating the Hidden Struggles
This conversation explores the challenges teachers face in supporting students who feel overwhelmed. Experts discuss the importance of understanding emotions as data, the need for emotional education for both students and teachers, and practical strategies for navigating the hidden struggles...
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Making Classroom Discussions Work Whether Students Are Prepared or Not
Preparing for class discussions when students are not prepared can be a challenge for teachers. It can lead to tough choices on how to spend class time and can have repercussions for students academically and socially. However, there are strategies teachers can use to address this issue, such as...
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Dear Students, Welcome Back: Creating a Sense of Belonging
A recent survey found that nearly a quarter of middle school students and a third of high school students feel they don’t belong. This conversation explores the concept of belonging uncertainty and its impact on students’ well-being and academic success. The guests discuss the importance of...
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Managing Retakes in Education: Balancing Teacher Workload and Student Learning
Many educators support the idea of allowing students to retake exams or redo submitted assignments. However, there are significant complexities and challenges involved when teachers have large and multiple classes. In this discussion, we explore the educational value of retakes, stressing the...
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Reimagining Teacher Support: Addressing Systemic Trauma in Teaching
The trauma experienced by teachers is often overlooked, or discounted in favor of focusing on student trauma. The guests discuss the need for systemic changes to support teachers, including the provision of therapists specifically for educators, regular check-ins on mental health, and a shift in...
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Setting Up Your Classroom to Support Students Who Struggle With Executive Function
The conversation explores the importance of considering executive function skills when designing classrooms. The guests discuss how classroom design can impact students' executive function and offer practical strategies for creating a supportive environment. They emphasize the need for clear...
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Looking Beyond the Myth of Work Life Balance, These Teachers Found Solutions
In a thought-provoking discussion on work-life balance, our guests delve into the evolving challenges educators face in harmonizing their professional and personal lives. They discuss the varying approaches to work-life balance and even challenge the narrative of the need for it. Follow on…
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Proven Strategies to Help Students Struggling with Self-Regulation
Multiple sources report that the number of students challenged with emotional regulation has grown exponentially. Our guests highlight the importance of creating a safe, structured, and predictable environment for children. We identify ways to maintain our composure and provide clear, assertive...
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34 Grade-Specific Ways to Regain Control of a Class Gone Wild
What are the most effective ways to restore a class that's spinning out of control? We discovered that the answer depends on the grade level. An Edutopia survey identified the top 34 strategies to quiet a rowdy classroom. We review the findings with an elementary school teacher, a middle school...
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Managing Students' Big Emotions: An Effective Tool to Increase Calm In Your Classroom
Some call it a calming station, calming corner, or pause place. Whatever the name, it's a helpful tool for helping students regulate emotions. Our guests explain how the stations work, how to set one up, and the essential key to using them effectively. Follow on Twitter: @jenorr @SELtreasures...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Teachers Aid is with Jon Harper - We've refocused the show on meeting some of the biggest unmet needs every educator has. If you are an educator who gives teaching your all, but still feel that you're not doing enough, this show is for you. Tune in to get social and emotional support for the very personal challenges teachers face. We promise you that you won't hear educators talking like this every day.
HOSTED BY
BAM Radio Network
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