PODCAST · education
Teachers Talkin'
by Dustin Tatroe
The Teachers' Talkin' podcast is hosted by Dustin Tatroe and Ghazali Abdul Wahab. This podcast is for teachers, educators, parents, or anyone interested in education. We discuss all things education & teaching from innovative teaching methods to challenges to strategies and much much more. This is a discussion or round table based podcast where we will bring in educators from around the world to talk about a variety of education topics. We want this to be a place of inspiration, personal professional development, and a place where we can elevate education together. Let us know what topics you want us to discuss! New episodes every other Monday. Like and subscribe. Connect with us on LinkedIn.
Episodes
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Teaching as a Craft: Teacher Autonomy, Mandates, and Professional Trust
Dustin and Ghazali talk with Brett Thacker to discuss teacher autonomy, instructional mandates, and the importance of professional trust in education. Our guiding question is, “How can schools protect teacher autonomy and professional judgment while still ensuring consistency, accountability, and...
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Joy Is a Condition for Learning: Engaging Students Without Lowering the Bar
Dustin and Ghazali talk with Christina Merchant, Director of Curriculum and Training at HeyTutor, to discuss how joy, play, connection, and student choice can make rigorous learning more accessible. Our guiding question is, “How can educators use joy, play, and connection to make learning more...
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For Your Future Teacher Self
Dustin and Ghazali close out Season 3 of Teachers Talkin’ with a practical conversation about setting your future teacher self up for a stronger start. As educators head into summer break or time away from school, this episode focuses on how to find the right balance between rest, reflection, and...
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Everything Reading!
Dustin and Ghazali talk with Katie Ludes to discuss reading instruction, the science of reading, and what it means to support readers across K–12. Our guiding question is, “How does the science of reading and learning impact instruction and outcomes across K–12?” Katie Ludes has spent 25 years in...
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From Policy to Practice: Making AI Work for Teachers
Dustin and Ghazali talk with Shuayb Abdi, an educator-turned-founder working with international schools across Southeast Asia and the Middle East, to discuss the growing gap between AI policy and what’s actually happening in classrooms—especially in contexts where class sizes are large, resources...
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Testing Isn't the Finish Line
In this short episode of Teachers Talkin’, Dustin Tatroe explains why the end of testing can’t become the end of learning, especially in early May when students and teachers feel summer approaching and routines start to slip. He argues that tight, consistent systems—do nows, transitions…
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Practice with a Partner: How Colleagues Spark Growth
Dustin Tatroe and Ghazali Abdul Wahab welcome Jake Bersin, a health and physical education teacher in Worcester Public Schools and host of MAHPERD’s Voices from the Field, to discuss “practice with a partner” and how colleagues can make growth visible and sustainable. Jake contrasts side-by-side...
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Stories That Stick: Using Edutainment to Inspire Learners
Dustin and Ghazali welcome returning guest Ryan Nicolas Leong to explore how educators can make learning fun through GenAI-powered world building. Ryan explains that as AI becomes an equalizer, the key question shifts from whether teachers use AI to how they create immersive, trust-building...
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Beyond the Poster: Systems That Turn Growth Mindset Into Equity
In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali welcome Marlene Tapia Garcia to talk about what it really takes to move growth mindset beyond classroom posters and into daily practice that creates more equitable learning opportunities. Marlene shares how students’ confidence is shaped by past experiences and...
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50th Episode Extravaganza: Reflecting on Educator Insights and Raising ALS Awareness
Dustin Tatroe and Ghazali Abdul Wahab celebrate the 50th episode of Teachers Talkin’ with a Podcasthon bonus episode spotlighting the Les Turner ALS Foundation. They reflect on five standout moments: Joe Dale on AI for language learning (and improving podcast sound quality), their...
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Beyond Traditional Measures: Rethinking Student Evaluations (Part 2)
In this Teachers Talkin’ episode, hosts Dustin Tatroe and Ghazali Abdul Wahab continue their US–Singapore grading conversation by focusing on sustainable grading practices that reduce teacher burnout. Ghazali explains how grading load varies by subject, how large class sizes and detailed rubrics...
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Grading: A Global Perspective on Student Assessment (Part 1)
Dustin Tatroe and Ghazali Abdul Wahab launch a two-part conversation on “grades that tell the truth,” focusing in Part 1 on accuracy—what grades should measure, why they often don’t, and how grading practices shape teacher workload and student motivation. They compare contexts in Singapore and…
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Mentorship Matters: Building Support Systems That Keep Teachers Thriving
In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali welcome Jennifer Hartman, an associate principal at Memorial Junior High in Lansing, Illinois, to discuss the critical importance of structured mentoring programs in education. Jennifer shares her unique journey from aspiring dentist to educational leader and…
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Why Teachers Stay and Why They Leave
Dustin and Ghazali dive into the crucial topic of teacher retention in this episode titled "Why Teachers Stay and Why They Leave." They address the guiding question: What keeps teachers in the classroom, and how do we make teaching sustainable without lowering expectations for students or...
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Building Bridges with Other Cultures
Dustin and Ghazali dive deep into the topic of cultural awareness and internationalization in education on this episode of Teachers Talking. Their guiding question: How can educators create meaningful connections across cultures locally, nationally, and globally, so students grow in empathy,...
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Play Without Overwhelm: Designing Joyful, Accessible Learning
Dustin and Ghazali are joined by Aditya Prakash, founder & CEO of SKIDOS Labs, to explore how playful design can turn “screen time” into learning time for our youngest learners. Their guiding question: How can beloved characters, adaptive game design, and thoughtful UX turn practice into joyful...
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Hard Conversations, Strong Partnerships
Dustin and Ghazali get real about parent communication in Hard Conversations, Strong Partnerships—a practical episode on preventing most tense meetings before they ever happen. Their guiding question: How can teachers head off 80% of “hard” parent conferences—and turn the rest into collaborative...
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AI Transforming Education: Innovation Meets the Classroom
Dustin and Ghazali flip roles in this episode as Ghazali joins as the guest to talk about a question he’s been helping educators tackle around the world: How can we harness AI to enhance instruction while protecting the human connection that makes great teaching possible? Drawing on two years of...
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Try Again: The Power of Encouragement in the Classroom
Dustin and Ghazali are joined by Mirriam Chintu to explore how something as simple as “try again” can transform how students see themselves as learners. Their guiding question: How can positive reinforcement reshape the way students experience learning and behavior in school? Drawing on more than...
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Adapting and Evolving: Hybrid Learning Models in a Post-Pandemic World
Dustin and Ghazali are joined by Theresa McSweeney to unpack what blended and hybrid learning really look like when they work—beyond the buzzwords. Their guiding question: How can schools move from tools-first thinking to student-centered, teacher-powered models of learning? With experience…
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More Than Academics: Centering SEL in Every Classroom
Dustin and Ghazali are joined by Priya Aavla to unpack what truly supporting at-risk students looks like—beyond the buzzwords. Their guiding question: How can higher education shift from reacting to student struggles to creating proactive systems of support? With over 16 years of experience…
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Mentorship Programs: Supporting New and Experienced Teachers Alike
Dustin and Ghazali are joined by Judy Raphalalane to dig into the essential—but often overlooked—role of mentorship in schools. Their guiding question: How can mentorship programs strengthen both new and experienced teachers, and help build healthier school cultures? After 11 years in the private...
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Leveling Up Learning: Game-Based Teaching That Sparks Higher-Order Thinking
Dustin and Ghazali sit down with Dr. Kevin Jennings to rethink what rigor actually looks like in classrooms—and why the old definitions no longer serve students or teachers. Their guiding question: How can we reimagine rigor in ways that deepen learning—without crushing students or teachers?...
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Start Strong: Setting the Tone for a Meaningful School Year
In the Season 3 premiere, Dustin and Ghazali dig into what it really takes to start the school year strong—beyond bulletin boards and icebreakers. They surface the real pressures of Week 1 and why mindset matters, then ground the conversation in practical moves teachers can use tomorrow. Their...
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Why We Hit Record: Podcasting, Pedagogy, and the Power of Voice
In the season 2 finale, Dustin and Ghazali reflect on the journey of Teachers Talkin’, what they’ve learned, and how podcasting has become a powerful pedagogical tool. They revisit the podcast’s origin, the connections they’ve built, and the stories that have shaped the show. Their guiding...
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Modern Classrooms Project: Engaging Students Even When They Are Absent
In this special podcast swap episode, we're sharing an episode from the Modern Classrooms Project Podcast—a show hosted by Toni Rose and Zach that explores instructional practice, classroom tech, student advocacy, and more through the lens of the Modern Classrooms instructional model: blended,...
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Strategic From the Start: Building Sustainable Leadership at Every Level
Dustin and Ghazali ask the question "what does it take to lead lasting, ethical, and strategic school transformation from any seat in the building?" to Danielle Craig. Danielle is an experienced school leader with a track record of significant and effective school improvement. She is a level 7...
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Boundaries and Balance: Practical Solutions for Teacher Burnout
Burnout is real—and for educators, it often creeps in quietly until it's too loud to ignore. In this episode, Ghazali and Dustin dive into real talk about how teachers can reclaim their time, protect their peace, and set boundaries that stick. 🎙️ Our guiding question: How can educators create…
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Tackling Math Anxiety: How Gamification Can Change the Equation
In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali sit down with Dr. Aditya Nagrath, founder of Elephant Learning Mathematics Academy, to explore the roots of math anxiety and how a gamified, mindset-shifting approach can help students regain confidence and mastery in math. Our guiding question: How can we...
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Data-Driven Teaching: Making Classroom Insights Actionable
Dustin and Ghazali sit down with Tom Kaster, founder of The Datafied Classroom, to explore how teachers can unlock the power of classroom data without becoming data scientists. They dive into practical tools, strategies, and mindset shifts that make data more usable and less…
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AI in Education: A Teacher-Centered Approach to Innovation
Dustin Tatroe and Ghazali chat with Chelsea Marone, former teacher and principal, now working with Kaiba, an AI-powered edtech tool. They explore how AI can help educators by reducing burnout, streamlining tasks, and improving instruction without replacing teachers. Chelsea highlights Kaiba’s...
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Teaching by Example: SEL & Human Values in Education
Dustin and Ghazali talk with Javier Payano, a Chicago-based educator and co-founder of the Human Values Collective, about integrating universal human values into education. Javier shares his journey from music education to advocating for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and character...
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Bridging the Gap: Effective Parent-Teacher Communication
Dustin and Ghazali sit down with Diah Asdini to explore the challenges and strategies behind effective parent-teacher communication. They discuss how teachers can build positive relationships with parents, set clear boundaries, and handle difficult conversations. From cultural perspectives to...
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Redesigning Learning: Hybrid & Blended Strategies for Every Student’s Success
Dustin and Ghazali talk with Robert Barnett, co-founder of the Modern Classrooms Project and author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, to explore how hybrid and blended learning can create more inclusive and effective classrooms. Our guiding question is, How can hybrid and blended learning models...
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Challenging the Status Quo: Education Policy, Advocacy, and Transforming School Culture
Dustin and Ghazali talk with Bobby Canosa-Carr, author of Can I Go To The Bathroom? And Other Asinine Questions We Ask in School, to discuss how current policies shape our schools and how we can advocate for meaningful change. Our guiding question is, ‘What shifts are necessary in education…
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Teachers Talkin' LIVE
Dustin and Ghazali celebrate 1 year of the podcast, over 1,000 downloads, reflect on the first half of season 2, and preview the second half of season 2. It was a fun podcast to go live for the first time and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did! We are always looking for passionate members of...
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Mentorship Matters: Elevating Teaching through Supportive Relationships
In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Kalaivani Pallavanraja to discuss how mentorship programs benefit both new and experienced teachers, and what the key elements are of an effective mentorship program. Kalaivani has 5000+ hours of teaching ESL, Business English to learners from 60+...
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Beyond the Classroom Walls: How Outdoor Learning Engages and Empowers Students
In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Conni Rasmussen to discuss the unique benefits of outdoor education and how educators can incorporate outdoor learning into their curriculum for deeper engagement. Growing up near the water Conni was either under it, in it, or in a watercraft. It was...
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Culturally Responsive Teaching: Building Bridges in Diverse Classrooms
In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Chitisha Gunnoo to answer the question, “How can educators connect with diverse student populations through culturally responsive teaching?” Chitisha is, a PhD candidate at the University of Mauritius, a 21st century educator, learning and development...
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Teaching Students to Outline: A Foundational Skill for Lifelong Learning
In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Keith Wilhelmi to answer the question, "Should teachers prioritize teaching students how to outline, and if so, how can they do it effectively?" Keith is a retired middle school life science teacher with over 42 years of experience in education. Keith...
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Preparing Students for the Future: 21st Century Skills and Technology in Education
In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Faja Akbar to answer the question, "How can educators effectively integrate 21st-century skills and technology to equip students for the future workplace?" Fajarudin Akbar, the ambassador of the International English Language Teachers Association for...
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Building Confidence: Empowering Beginning Teachers to Teach Like Veterans
In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Ginean Royal to answer the question, "How can beginning teachers build confidence and develop the skills needed to teach like veteran educators?" Ginean has been in education for 24 years. She's taught in elementary, middle, high school, and post...
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Unlocking Language Learning: Harnessing AI for 21st Century Classrooms
In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali talk with Joe Dale, an independent languages consultant and tech expert. The conversation is focused on how AI can enhance language learning. Joe dives into practical strategies that teachers can use to bring AI into their classrooms. Joe Dale is an independent...
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Cultivating a Growth Mindset: Strategies for Fostering a Growth Mindset in Students and Educators
Teachers Talkin' is BACK for Season 2! In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali focus on the question, "How can educators effectively cultivate a growth mindset in both students and themselves?" We explore practical strategies and insights to help teachers and students develop a growth mindset, which…
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Summer Strategies for a Successful School Year
In this episode, Dustin and Ghazali wrap up Season 1 talking about the best ways to spend Summer Break. We focus on answering the question "How can teachers use their summer break to reflect, relax, recover, and prepare effectively for the upcoming school year?" Teachers Talkin' with resume on...
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Navigating Self-Paced Learning: Perspectives from the Classroom
In this episode Ghazali talks to Dustin (as a guest) and Samantha Whitelaw, a veteran elementary school teacher who implements a self-paced classroom, as they focus on the overarching question "How does the self-pacing model enhance student learning experiences in both elementary and secondary...
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Breaking the Mold: Embracing Self-Paced Learning with the Modern Classrooms Project
In this episode Dustin and Ghazali talk to Toni Rose Deanon, who hosts the Modern Classrooms Project and does Community Engagement for MCP, as they focus on the overarching question "How can a self-pacing model support teachers and students in finding more success than the traditional method of...
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Leading from the Frontlines: The Art of School Leadership
In this episode Dustin and Ghazali talk to Dean Marolla, a former teacher and principal as they focus on the overarching question "How can school leaders effectively navigate the challenges and opportunities in education to foster a culture of growth and success?" Dean is a retired educator with...
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The Art of Assessment: Maximizing Student Success Through Evaluation
In this podcast crossover episode, Teachers' Talkin' about Helping Teachers Thrive, Dustin and Ghazali partner with Tem Ezimokhai to discuss the overarching question "How can educators effectively assess student learning to support their progress and growth?" Since embarking on her teaching…
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Caring for the Whole Child: Prioritizing Student Well-Being
In this episode Dustin and Ghazali talk with Ryan Nicholas Leong Wei Ren about the overarching question: How can educators prioritize and support student well-being in the classroom and beyond? Ryan is Singapore’s first GENIUS Generation Youth Coach, and Top Youth Coach of the Year 2024 (awarded…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Teachers' Talkin' podcast is hosted by Dustin Tatroe and Ghazali Abdul Wahab. This podcast is for teachers, educators, parents, or anyone interested in education. We discuss all things education & teaching from innovative teaching methods to challenges to strategies and much much more. This is a discussion or round table based podcast where we will bring in educators from around the world to talk about a variety of education topics. We want this to be a place of inspiration, personal professional development, and a place where we can elevate education together. Let us know what topics you want us to discuss! New episodes every other Monday. Like and subscribe. Connect with us on LinkedIn.
HOSTED BY
Dustin Tatroe
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Teachers Talkin' have?
Teachers Talkin' currently has 58 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Teachers Talkin' about?
The Teachers' Talkin' podcast is hosted by Dustin Tatroe and Ghazali Abdul Wahab. This podcast is for teachers, educators, parents, or anyone interested in education. We discuss all things education & teaching from innovative teaching methods to challenges to strategies and much much more. This is...
How often does Teachers Talkin' release new episodes?
Teachers Talkin' has 58 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Teachers Talkin'?
You can listen to Teachers Talkin' 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 Teachers Talkin'?
Teachers Talkin' is created and hosted by Dustin Tatroe.
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