Best Anna Quinzio Zafran Podcasts (2025)

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Ep 155: Building Classroom Community Through Meaningful Student Connections 10:34

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14h ago10:34

10:34

In this episode of New Teacher Talk, we invite Keon Ruiter, a dedicated second-grade teacher with 18 years of experience at Maria Sanchez Elementary School, to share his time-tested approach to classroom management through relationship building. Keon reveals how positive connections with students and families create the foundation for everything el…

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Ep 154: Making PBL Work: Sustainable Project-Based Learning with Brad Sever 15:54

2d ago15:54

15:54

Join us for an essential conversation with Brad Sever, assistant principal and PBL expert, as he breaks down the secrets to making project-based learning sustainable in your classroom. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by PBL or wondered how to make it work long-term, this episode is for you. Brad takes us through the seven "gold standard" design ele…

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Ep 153: The Power of Positive Language in the Classroom with Heather Lyon 6:17

7d ago6:17

6:17

What if changing just a few words could transform your entire classroom management approach? Join us as district administrator, author, and blogger Heather Lyon reveals how the simple shift from "No running" to "Walk please" can revolutionize student behavior and classroom dynamics. Inspired by a classic "Who's the Boss?" episode where "No parking"…

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Ep 152: From Day One to Done Right: Building Student Connections and Classroom Success 13:02

9d ago13:02

13:02

Join PE teachers and education veterans Tom Rocco and Mike Gillespie on New Teacher Talk as they break down the four pillars every new educator needs to master. Whether you're stepping into your first classroom or looking to refine your approach, this episode delivers actionable strategies you can implement immediately. Discover proven methods for …

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Ep 151: Beyond Repetition: Four Brain-Based Strategies That Actually Work 10:12

14d ago10:12

10:12

1 of 3 in a Series: Join education professor Ken King from Aurora University as he debunks one of education's most persistent myths: that repetition alone leads to learning mastery. In this essential episode for new teachers, King reveals why the brain science shows repetition isn't enough and introduces four evidence-based strategies that actually…

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Ep 150: The WHY of Your Lesson 6:26

16d ago6:26

6:26

Join Executive Principal Jesse Kraft as he reveals the missing piece in most classrooms: the "why" behind every lesson. While teachers excel at explaining what students will learn and how they'll learn it, Jesse discovered through his classroom observations that students rarely understand why the content matters to their lives. In this insightful e…

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Ep 149: Light Bulb Moments: Creating Relevant Learning Experiences 10:11

21d ago10:11

10:11

Join educator Byron Earnest as he shares transformative insights on student engagement and contextual learning. Drawing from years of teaching experience, Byron reveals why traditional abstract learning falls short and how connecting education to real-world applications creates those magical "light bulb moments" every teacher dreams of. In this epi…

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Ep 148: Building Strong Professional Relationships 8:53

26d ago8:53

8:53

Join Dr. Anna and Dr. Beth as they dive deep into one of the most crucial aspects of teaching success that often gets overlooked, building meaningful professional relationships. In this episode, our hosts share personal experiences and actionable strategies for new teachers to connect with colleagues, support staff, and the entire school community.…

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Ep 147: Classroom Management: Be a Warm Demander 12:30

29d ago12:30

12:30

Join us for an essential conversation about one of teaching's most critical skills: classroom management. Executive Principal Jesse Kraft from Fairfax County Public Schools shares his comprehensive approach to creating classrooms that run effectively while keeping students focused, respectful, and engaged. Key Topics Covered: The four fundamental r…

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Ep 146: Think Big, Start Small: Building Your Teaching Vision with Todd Leban 10:12

1M ago10:12

10:12

Join Todd Leban, a passionate middle-level board-certified art teacher from suburban Chicago, to explore his transformative teaching philosophy: "Think Big, Not Small." In this inspiring episode, Todd shares how new and early career teachers can develop bold visions for their classrooms without feeling overwhelmed. He breaks down his refined approa…

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Ep 145: Building Community Through Structure: Essential Classroom Management Techniques with Kwame Sarfo-Mensah 11:24

1M ago11:24

11:24

Join us on New Teacher Talk as we welcome Kwame Sarfo-Mensah, author of Learning to Relearn from Routledge, for an essential conversation about classroom management that every new educator needs to hear. In this episode, Kwame shares his expertise on creating welcoming yet structured classroom environments that serve as orderly and safe spaces for …

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Ep 144: Embracing Bold Teaching: Lessons from Student Teaching to First-Year Ready 26:13

1M ago26:13

26:13

Join us as Dr. Anna sits down with Emma Moore, a recent graduate of the Teaching Well Program at Johns Hopkins University, who shares her unexpected transition from pursuing medicine to discovering her calling in the classroom. Emma opens up about how working as a kindergarten teacher's aide completely changed her career trajectory and ignited her …

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Ep 143: Beyond the Bulletin Boards: How to Really Prepare for the School Year with Blake Reddick 6:00

2M ago6:00

6:00

Welcome to New Teacher Talk! In this essential episode, Blake Reddick, an experienced middle school social studies teacher, explores the often-overlooked aspects of school year preparation that go far beyond decorating classrooms and writing lesson plans. Blake reveals that successful teaching starts with intentional preparation work that happens o…

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Ep 142: The New Teacher Survival Guide: AI Tools, Classroom Management, and Beating Burnout with Lori Abbott 10:05

2M ago10:05

10:05

Join us for an invaluable conversation with veteran educator Lori Abbott, who shares 33 years of teaching wisdom to help new teachers thrive. In this episode, Lori covers the fundamentals of effective classroom management, explaining how all student behavior is purposeful and offering strategies for building positive relationships that prevent issu…

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Ep 141: August Mindset Matters: Mental Prep for Your New School Year 8:12

2M ago8:12

8:12

Welcome to the new season of New Teacher Talk! Hosts Dr. Anna and Dr. Beth kick off the school year with essential mental preparation strategies for early career and aspiring educators. This episode focuses on building the right mindset for August and setting yourself up for success before stepping into the classroom. Key Segments Segment 1: Let's …

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Ep 140: New Teacher Talk Season Finale - Heading for Summer Break! 3:23

3M ago3:23

3:23

Join Dr. Anna and Dr. Beth as they celebrate the milestone season finale of New Teacher Talk! Exciting updates are in store! This summer, catch bonus content on their YouTube channel (NewTeacherTalk1), packed with short, practical videos on classroom procedures, rules, routines, behavior plans, and incentive ideas. The new season launches August 4t…

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Ep 139: Why New Teachers Need LinkedIn: 5 Steps to Optimize Your Profile 7:36

4M ago7:36

7:36

🔥 New Teachers, Let’s Unlock LinkedIn’s Power! 🔥 If you're a new teacher looking to elevate your career, LinkedIn is your ultimate networking tool—but are you using it right or using it at all? In this episode, Dr. Beth reveals five essential strategies to help educators build a standout profile, connect with education leaders, and showcase classro…

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Ep 138: New Teacher Summer Survival Guide: Preparing for Success in the Next School Year 7:34

4M ago7:34

7:34

🔥 TEACHER TALK: SUMMER EDITION 🔥 Teachers, it’s time to hit pause, grab your favorite iced coffee, and tune in—because we’re serving up the ultimate summer survival guide! Whether you're sticking with your current school, scouting for a new teaching gig, or just vibing through summer break, Drs. Beth and Anna have got your back. 💡 INSIDE THE EPISOD…

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Ep 137: Building the Next Generation of Educators: Inside Educators Rising 35:17

4M ago35:17

35:17

Join us for an inspiring conversation with EdRising Illinois leaders Christy Schweitzer, Maya Moneze, and Carson Mizell as they share how this incredible organization is transforming the future of education. Discover why students in Educators Rising are 400% more likely to enter teaching after high school and learn about the powerful community, lea…

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Ep 136: Summer Prep for First-Year Teachers 9:44

4M ago9:44

9:44

In this episode, English teacher Abby Bartle from Oswego High School shares invaluable advice for new educators preparing for their first year in the classroom. Drawing from her own experiences and insights from fellow first-year teachers, Abby offers a chronological guide taking you from the end of student teaching through summer preparation and i…

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Ep 135: 🚀 Empower Your Teaching Journey with NJCTL’s Online Courses! 🎓 3:41

5M ago3:41

3:41

📣 In this enlightening episode of New Teacher Talk, guests Melissa Axelsson and Susan Olszewski explore NJCTL's game-changing online courses designed specifically for science, mathematics, and computer science educators. Discover how these self-paced programs can help you: Strengthen your subject expertise 💪 Explore new teaching areas 🔍 Advance you…

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Ep 134: The End of the School Year is In Sight: Meaningful Closure with Students 26:25

5M ago26:25

26:25

Join Dr. Beth and Dr. Anna as they explore how to make the most of the final weeks with your students. This episode focuses on creating meaningful closure through reflection, celebration, student voice, and transitions. Discover practical strategies for student self-reflection, including visual growth timelines, reflection question prompts, and wor…

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Ep 133: Recruiting Talent: A District Leader's Perspective on Educational Staffing 17:33

5M ago17:33

17:33

Join host Ryan Lamping, Vice President at Amergis Educational Staffing, as he welcomes Cathy Leaver, Director of Special Education at Bellevue School District. With over four years as Special Education Director and previous experience as a teacher and principal, Cathy brings valuable insights into how districts can effectively partner with educatio…

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Ep 132: The Mentorship Mindset: Build Trust and Transform Your Teaching 20:15

5M ago20:15

20:15

Join Maryellen Friel, a National Board Certified Teacher in Exceptional Needs, as she unpacks the transformative power of educational mentoring. Drawing from her extensive experience mentoring teachers in Baltimore and Texas, Maryellen shares practical strategies for building mentoring relationships based on trust and shared purpose. Learn her five…

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Ep 131: Wrap Up Your School Year: Organizational and Student Engagement Tips for New Teachers 7:23

5M ago7:23

7:23

In this practical episode of New Teacher Talk, second-grade teacher Dr. Jacqueline J. Cleven from South Prairie Elementary shares her expert strategies for managing the hectic end of the school year. Discover the innovative A to Z Book Countdown that transforms traditional countdowns into meaningful literacy experiences, keeping students engaged ri…

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Ep 130: Keeping Students in the Game Throughout the Year 14:30

6M ago14:30

14:30

Join Dr. Anna and Dr. Beth as they tackle one of teaching's biggest challenges: maintaining student engagement when motivation begins to fade. Perfect for early career and aspiring educators, this episode offers practical strategies to reinvigorate your classroom during the dreaded "spring slump." Learn how to implement quick engagement activities,…

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Ep 129: The Power of Belonging: Inside Lyons Township's BEST Affinity Group 39:41

6M ago39:41

39:41

In this episode, Dr. Anna and Dr. Beth engage the inspiring educators behind Lyons Township High School's BIPOC Educators Supporting Teaching (BEST) Affinity Group. In episode 127, we talked with the administrative team that created conditions for collaboration in their school community. Now we will hear how those intentions are brought to life. Dr…

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Ep 128: Breaking Through Barriers: Understanding and Addressing Student Misconceptions (3 of 3 episodes) 13:40

6M ago13:40

13:40

Join host Dr. Ken King, education professor at Aurora University, as he explores the fascinating world of student misconceptions and why they're so resistant to change. In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. King unpacks how higher knowledge interference and cognitive biases like confirmation bias create persistent learning obstacles for students. …

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Ep 127: Building Bridges: Creating Inclusive Mentorship for Educators at Lyons Township 26:08

6M ago26:08

26:08

In this illuminating episode of New Teacher Talk, Dr. Beth and Dr. Anna host the administrative team from Lyons Township High School as they share their groundbreaking approach to recruiting, supporting, and retaining diverse educators. Superintendent Dr. Brian Waterman reveals how their community-driven strategic planning process led to concrete d…

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Ep 126: Teachers...Check Your Stress Before You Wreck Yourself! 30:53

6M ago30:53

30:53

Feeling overwhelmed in your classroom? You're not alone! Join Dr. Anna and Dr. Beth on this essential episode of New Teacher Talk featuring Jolee Jones, an expert in organizational development who understands what you're going through. Discover why teaching has become the #1 profession for burnout and learn practical strategies to protect your well…

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Ep 125: Clinical Practice: The Key to Teacher Success 28:12

7M ago28:12

28:12

Join Dr. Beth and Dr. Anna as they dive into the critical world of teacher preparation with special guests Hannah Putman, Director of Research and and Ron Noble, Chief of Teacher Preparation, at the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ). This illuminating conversation explores how quality clinical practice experiences directly impact teacher e…

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Ep 124: March Madness for Teachers 17:05

7M ago17:05

17:05

In this timely episode, Dr. Anna and Dr. Beth tackle the notorious "March slump" that many educators experience. They provide practical strategies for navigating standardized testing season, managing work during spring break, handling job uncertainty, maintaining work-life balance, and keeping both teacher and student motivation high during this ch…

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Ep 123: Beyond Lesson Plans: A Second-Year Teacher's Journey into Curriculum Development 18:17

7M ago18:17

18:17

In this enlightening episode of New Teacher Talk, Dr. Amy Howerton sits down with Abby Bartle, a second-year teacher who took the bold step of joining a curriculum committee just weeks into her first teaching position. Abby shares her transformation from curriculum novice to knowledgeable participant, offering valuable perspectives for other early-…

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Ep 122: Mentors Matter: Navigating the Path to Teaching 21:03

7M ago21:03

21:03

Join Dr. Anna and Dr. Beth as they dive into the transformative power of mentorship in education with special guests Shelby Green Owusu and James Scheffers. Shelby shares her fascinating journey from environmental studies to special education, highlighting how mentorship through programs like Golden Apple and Teach Plus shaped her teaching career. …

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Ep 121: Children on the Autism Spectrum: How to Build a Strong Relationship Across Parents, Student, and Teacher Student, and Teacher 33:08

8M ago33:08

33:08

Join Dr. Anna and Dr. Beth as they welcome Ryan Lamping, an educational staffing professional and father of a child with nonverbal autism, for an insightful conversation about parent-educator partnerships. Ryan shares his family's journey supporting his 7-year-old son Maddox through school transitions, offering practical strategies for building str…

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Ep 120: Mythbusters about Teaching & Learning: Assessment (2 of 3 episodes) 8:42

8M ago8:42

8:42

Join us as Dr. Ken King from Aurora University unravels the complex relationship between student confidence and actual content mastery. Discover why students might feel they understand something when they don't, and learn practical strategies to bridge this gap. From the illusion of knowledge to metacognitive blindness, Dr. King explores common cog…

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Ep 119: Navigating Fragile February 5:54

8M ago5:54

5:54

Are you a teacher feeling overwhelmed and burnt out this February? You're not alone. In this heartfelt episode of New Teacher Talk, Dr. Beth and Dr. Anna tackle the mid-year slump that many educators face. They share honest conversation about maintaining work-life balance, fighting burnout, and most importantly - finding your way back to joy in tea…

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Ep. 118: Oral Language Acquisition through Read Alouds 12:18

8M ago12:18

12:18

Dive into the world of literacy with Leana Malinowsky, the 2022-2023 Middlesex County Teacher of the Year, as she unveils the transformative power of read-alouds in language acquisition. In this compelling episode of New Teacher Talk, Leana breaks down the complex components of reading comprehension, exploring how strategic read-alouds can be a gam…

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Ep 117: Mythbusters about Teaching & Learning: Learning Styles (1 of 3 episodes) 10:37

8M ago10:37

10:37

Ready to challenge what you thought you knew about teaching? In this eye-opening episode of New Teacher Talk, Dr. Ken King from Aurora University tackles one of education's most persistent myths: learning styles. Discover why this popular concept might be holding back both teachers and students, and learn what cognitive science actually tells us ab…

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Ep 116: Building a Comprehensive Computer Science Program 4:00

8M ago4:00

4:00

Join us for an enlightening conversation between Melissa Axelsson (Dean of Students) and Susan Olszewski (Dean of Faculty) from New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning (NJCTL) as they share their expertise on building robust computer science (CS) programs in secondary schools. Learn how to effectively scaffold learning from introductory CS to A…

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Ep 115: Self Care for Teachers 9:27

9M ago9:27

9:27

In this enlightening episode of New Teacher Talk, educator Jameelah Wright dives deep into the crucial yet often overlooked topic of teacher self-care. Learn six practical strategies that can transform your well-being without overwhelming your already busy schedule. From creating your personal sanctuary to building a strong support network, Jameela…

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Ep 114: New Year. New You. New Semester. 6:20

9M ago6:20

6:20

New year, new semester! Join Dr. Anna and Dr. Beth as they share proven strategies to help teachers thrive in 2025. From rebuilding classroom dynamics to prioritizing teacher wellness, this episode delivers actionable tips for starting fresh. Perfect for new teachers seeking guidance on classroom management, student engagement, and work-life balanc…

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Ep 113: Recharge & Reflect: A Teacher's Guide to Holiday Renewal 5:51

10M ago5:51

5:51

The holiday break is more than just time off—it's an opportunity for personal and professional rejuvenation. In this essential episode of New Teacher Talk, our expert educators share invaluable strategies for meaningful reflection, stress relief, and intentional rest. From gratitude practices and work-life balance to creative goal-setting and conne…

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Ep 112: Transforming Teaching: A Journey Through Mathematics Education 12:07

10M ago12:07

12:07

In this episode of New Teacher Talk, Dr. Beth and Dr. Anna sit down with Hannah Curran, an inspiring early career educator and the first graduate of the Master’s in Elementary Mathematics program at New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning (NJCTL). Hannah shares her unique teaching journey, starting in social studies and now excelling as a speci…

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Ep 111: Four Strategies to Transform How Your Students Experience Mathematics 10:01

10M ago10:01

10:01

Ready to revolutionize your math classroom? In this enlightening episode, Dr. Sara Curran, a veteran K-5 instructional coach and former fourth-grade teacher, unpacks four game-changing strategies that will transform how your students experience mathematics. Drawing from her extensive classroom experience, Dr. Curran reveals the secret sauce to crea…

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Ep 110: Formal Evaluation as an Early Career Teacher 5:00

10M ago5:00

5:00

In this essential episode of New Teacher Talk, Dr. Amy Howerton, English Department Chair at Oswego High School, shares her expertise on navigating teacher evaluations with confidence. Drawing from over two decades of experience as both a teacher and evaluator, Dr. Howerton presents four actionable tips that every new teacher needs to know. From un…

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Ep 109: Using Polling Devices in the Classroom 4:29

11M ago4:29

4:29

Join us as we dive into the world of classroom polling with education experts Susan Olszewski and Melissa Axelsson from the New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning (NJCTL). Discover how polling devices can transform student engagement, provide real-time feedback, and help teachers identify and address misconceptions more effectively. Our guests…

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Ep 108: Family Engagement in Literacy Development 9:57

11M ago9:57

9:57

In this insightful episode, literacy expert Leana Malinowsky explores how teachers can effectively partner with families to support children's reading and writing development. She provides practical strategies for creating a strong home-school connection that enhances literacy learning. Key Topics Covered - The critical role of family involvement i…

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Ep 107: From Classroom to Careers 15:55

11M ago15:55

15:55

Join host Ryan Lamping, Vice President at Amergis Educational Staffing, in an insightful conversation with former educators Alysa Nelson and Rachael Hodge as they share their journey through education and beyond. This episode explores the challenges of teaching during COVID-19, the importance of school culture, and how educational staffing agencies…

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Ep 106: Unexpected Leadership: Navigating Challenges in Your Early Teaching Year 14:42

11M ago14:42

14:42

In this episode of New Teacher Talk, Dr. Beth and Dr. Anna sit down with Lena Mackley, an eighth-grade English Language Arts teacher, to discuss her unique experiences as an early career educator who unexpectedly found herself in leadership roles like team lead and co-department chair. Lena shares the ups and downs of balancing leadership responsib…