Best Mastery Based Grading Podcasts (2026)

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17] NEVER Good to Be Alone: Invite Help in Your Life 11:06

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5h ago11:06

11:06

Pastor David McDuffie explores Genesis 2:18—"It is not good for man to be alone"—and applies it to teachers and daily life. He encourages inviting Jesus & the Holy Spirit into your class, accepting help from fitting helpers (grade teams, support staff, admin), and being teachable so you can accomplish goals without fear. Finally, David urges listen…

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16] Confronting FEAR in the Classroom 8:56

7h ago8:56

8:56

David McDuffie explores Genesis 3:11 to explain how fear—summed up as "false evidence appearing real"—originates from trying to hide wrongdoing. He explains that God’s questions to Adam were opportunities for repentance and accountability, not mere information-seeking. Teacher Retention Coach David applies this to educators, urging openness and int…

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Small Moves, Big Impact: Infusing 21st Century Skills into Daily Lessons 1:01:45

1h ago1:01:45

1:01:45

We all know students need "21st century skills"—but what does that actually look like on a Tuesday morning in your classroom? In this conversation, Dr. Roberta Lenger Kang and Dr. Kelsey Hammond go beyond buzzwords to explore why discussion isn't as intuitive as we think, how our classrooms haven't kept pace with how the world actually works, and m…

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15] When Fear First Appeared: 2026 Faculty Moments of Shame 7:07

15h ago7:07

7:07

Teacher Retention Specialist David McDuffie connects the biblical moment of shame to modern EDUCATOR life. He urges school staff not to hide from observation, but to open their classrooms and receive support. These 2026 episodes emphasize the mantra "False Evidence Appearing Real" as a tool to dispel fear and embrace help & growth. Trimester 3 of F…

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14] Become Your Family's 'Wonderful Counselor' — 5🗝️Every Dad Needs 42:15

2d ago42:15

42:15

Husband & Father David McDuffie teaches fathers how to become "wonderful counselors" by seeking godly counsel, practicing active listening, and building strong, loving relationships rooted in Christ. This PARENTING COURSE walks baby daddies, separated papas, deadbeat dads, and divorced fathers through 5️⃣🗝️questions— 1. Who counsels? 2. What counse…

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13] Become a Mighty King: Restore Your Godship as a Father (PapiFri MiniSeries #2) 22:03

7d ago22:03

22:03

This Fatherly Friday mini‑series urges fathers to reclaim spiritual authority by humbling themselves before God and acting as a calm, protective presence for their families. Using scripture (1 Peter), prayer, and practical coaching, the host guides men to become ‘mighty kings’ through clear communication, emotional safety, and faith‑driven leadersh…

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12] Become an Everlasting Father like Jesus (PapiFri Miniseries #1) 16:52

9d ago16:52

16:52

In this Fatherly Friday miniseries, the host explores how fathers are called to model themselves after Jesus—being everlasting, compassionate, and disciplinarian leaders. Using Scripture (Isaiah, John, Ephesians, Proverbs), he outlines three practical steps: embrace eternal identity in Christ, compassionately care for and protect your family, and c…

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Annual Wrap Up 2025 50:24

13d ago50:24

50:24

Welcome to our annual wrap-up episode of Teaching Today! We're excited to bring you a special compilation featuring our three most-listened-to conversations from the past year plus a special thanks for our international listeners. Thank you again for these discussions: Colleen Keating-Crawford, Izzy Fitzgerald, Sydney Tweedley, Courtney Brown, Eliz…

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11] I See Them Returning: A Prayer for Children, Families, and Teachers 20:28

14d ago20:28

20:28

David McDuffie delivers a powerful, hope-filled episode rooted in Romans 15:13 that prays for children’s transformation, family restoration, and teacher resilience. He breaks generational curses, calls for healing in marriages, and encourages educators to reclaim joy and purpose. Designed as a spiritual professional development moment, the episode …

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Episode 260: "Sharp That Eleven, Bob" 57:55

16d ago57:55

57:55

Zach is joined by Eric Jao and Bob Habersat to talk about digital music teaching and making music education accessible to all students Show Notes Mix Major Electronic Music Elements The Shed Eric's Youtube channel Soundtrap Project based learning Kodaly and Orff approaches to music education The History of Calculus Electronic Music Elements PD Penn…

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10] Override the System: Numbers 23 Power for Teachers 20:39

19d ago20:39

20:39

In this Burnout Rescue episode, David McDuffie teaches the Numbers 23 key to override systems of oppression in schools, leading bold prayers, confessions, and practical strategies for teachers to reclaim classrooms and build student critical thinking and godly legacies. This two-part session mixes spiritual warfare, daily confessions, and hands-on …

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What Can I Get Out of This? Teaching and Learning in a Classroom Full of Skeptics 42:51

21d ago42:51

42:51

What happens when students walk into your classroom asking "Can I get out of this?" Professor Carlo Rotella, author of "What Can I Get Out of This? Teaching and Learning in a Classroom Full of Skeptics," joins us to explore how student skepticism—about literature, interpretation, and even their own belonging—can become a productive starting point f…

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Episode 259: Everybody's a Teacher, Everybody's a Learner 1:03:33

26d ago1:03:33

1:03:33

TR is joined by Cindy Wilkins to talk about how she has used the model in her work with preservice teachers in the higher education setting Show Notes Belhaven University Khan Academy The Shift to Student Led, by Catlin Tucker and Katie Novak Bloom's Taxonomy Connect with Cindy by email at [email protected] Contact us, follow us online, and lea…

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9] Small Classroom Wins that Win Back Teachers 23:40

26d ago23:40

23:40

This Fall Burnout Professional Development session draws on Revelation 12:11 to help K–8 teachers prevent burnout by combining daily emotional intelligence, spiritual practice, and practical classroom strategies. David McDuffie shares real classroom wins—redirecting disruptive students, creating joyful moments, and earning recognition—and calls tea…

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How Accessible Arts Practices Transform Learning for All Students 46:18

28d ago46:18

46:18

What if strategies designed to support students with disabilities could transform learning for everyone? In this episode, Dr. Rhoda Bernard, Founding Director of the Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education and author of Accessible Arts Education, shares how predictability, structure, and universal design principles make arts education acces…

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Episode 258: Student Perspective (HS) 58:02

1M ago58:02

58:02

Zach is joined by three of his students, Hansi, Ian, and Kennedy, to talk about their experiences in his class, both when they had his class in Middle School and, currently, in 10th and 11th grades. Show Notes Radiohead Ezra Weisz Miraculous Ladybug Zach's tracker template DCI's student podcast, The Lair (check back here after 12/10/2025 to hear Ha…

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8] No Cursing in School: God Blocks Negative Vibes 26:23

1M ago26:23

26:23

Fall Teacher Burnout Rescue--> 8 keys to activate restoration rescuing any teacher from giving up & quitting. This Professional Development is part 5. In October, November, and December QUIT TEACHING, JOB OPTIONS FOR TEACHERS, and TOXIC WORK ENVIRONMENT are most likely on your browser. Acceptance is the first step to breakthrough AND today we focus…

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Grappling with Being: Writing, AI, and the Human Condition 53:12

1M ago53:12

53:12

Tired of the polarizing debate about AI in writing classrooms? Dr. Kelsey Hammond offers a more nuanced path forward. Rather than creating endless guidelines about when students should or shouldn’t use ChatGPT in their writing process, she explores how writing itself can become a tool for understanding our relationship with AI. Through reflective e…

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Episode 257: It's Not Best Practice, But... 1:01:07

1M ago1:01:07

1:01:07

TR is joined by Drea Aguirre, an instructional coach, to talk about genuine, realistic, and humanistic coaching, and the importance of intentionally modeling the techniques that best serve students Show Notes Drea's Core Syllabus Connect with Drea by email at [email protected] Contact us, follow us online, and learn more: Email us questions a…

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7] Unite & Transform Your Holiday & Everyday with Purpose 25:15

1M ago25:15

25:15

Teacher Retention Specialist, David McDuffie, encourages teachers to invite faith into the classroom and uses the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11) to show how unity, shared language, and purpose make the impossible possible. The episode blends spiritual encouragement with concrete classroom practices—clear communication, shared vocabulary, engagement te…

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183 Rethinking High School: Philanthropy’s Role in Lasting Change 44:40

1M ago44:40

44:40

Why is systemic change at the high school level such a challenge? In this episode, we sit down with Jenny Curtin, Director of Education at the Barr Foundation, to explore what real transformation looks like—and why adding more programs isn't the answer. Jenny shares how listening deeply to students reveals gaps between current reality and what's po…

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Episode 256: Live from GaETC2025 49:31

2M ago49:31

49:31

Live from GaETC2025, TR is joined by Daniel Forrester, Sarah Eiler, Nick Provenzano for a discussion of ed tech, AI, and implementing innovative approaches to teaching Show Notes Amitrace Screenpal SchoolAI [Needlepoint](https://needlepoint.com/) Lego "The Promises and Perils of AI in Education" by Dee Lanier and Ken Shelton [Lumio](https://www.mai…

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Building Mastery One Curiosity at a Time: Reimagining Education for Today 47:48

2M ago47:48

47:48

Should first-graders learn to read analog clocks? It's a small question with big implications about what we choose to teach—and why. In this episode, we're in conversation with Dr. Tony Wagner, author of Mastery, exploring how technology has outpaced pedagogy and what that means for today's classrooms. We discuss the "Five Cs" every community wants…

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Episode 255: Mastery-Based Learning Insights 1:00:27

2M ago1:00:27

1:00:27

Zach is joined by Hui Couch to talk about how she uses the model to inspire her multi-lingual learners in math class, and to talk about how she approached designing a presentation for other teachers on using MCP in math classes Show Notes MCP Podcast Episode 246: Math Mentor Relationship MCP Podcast Episode 243: Math and ELL Connect with Hui by ema…

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6] Unlock the Practical Prep, Sigma Authority, & Teacher Retention 34:34

2M ago34:34

34:34

David McDuffie speaks directly to overwhelmed teachers who feel underpaid, disrespected, and not valued. Beat October/November Burnout Now! This professional development combines scripture, spiritual warfare, and practical classroom strategies to help educators reclaim their teacher voice and maintain stamina. Rooted in Isaiah 54:17, he invites tea…

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Inside ConnectINK: What Happens When AI Asks Questions Instead of Giving Answers 1:00:37

2M ago1:00:37

1:00:37

In this episode, we explore ConnectINK, an AI-powered writing coach that's different from every other AI tool you've encountered: it will never write for your students. Instead of generating content, ConnectINK asks questions. "Who else was there?" "What did that feel like?" "Can you describe another event related to this one?" Join us for a conver…

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Episode 254: Student Perspective 57:23

2M ago57:23

57:23

Zach is joined by Steve Schlarman and two of his students, Molly and Ella, to talk about the student experience of learning in a modern classroom and how teachers can develop modern classrooms where students can thrive Show Notes Steve's previous appearance on the MCP Podcast, episode 174: Planning for Multiple Preps Connect with Steve in the MCP E…

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When Disruption Becomes Opportunity: Embracing Powershifts in the Classroom 42:02

2M ago42:02

42:02

Fifty balloons. Stories of cupcakes. A student shouting profanities before storming out. These are the moments teacher prep programs can’t prepare you for. Dr. Adam Wolfsdorf joins us to discuss "subversive moments"—when classroom control completely evaporates and you have to make split-second decisions while somehow pretending you're not destabili…

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Episode 253: Elementary School 51:54

2M ago51:54

51:54

Zach is joined by Laura Campbell to talk about how she implements the MCP model in her elementary math class, and how it brings balance and sustainability to the teaching profession Show Notes Eureka Math Laura's tracker Connect with Laura by email at [email protected] Contact us, follow us online, and learn more: Email us questio…

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5] Put on Your Drip: Tread on the school Dragon 23:23

2M ago23:23

23:23

In this Fall Teacher Burnout Rescue episode, a teacher-focused pep talk ties Psalm 91:13 to everyday classroom authority: pray Psalm 91 daily, declare spiritual authority, and stand confidently in your role. The host connects modern language like "drip" and "kicks" with stepping on spiritual opposition, offers practical habits to invite the Holy Sp…

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The SEL of AI: Keeping Humanity at the Heart of Teaching 44:33

2M ago44:33

44:33

Feeling overwhelmed by Gen AI in education? You're not alone. Dr. Julianne Ross-Kleinmann and Yaa Yaa Whaley-Williams from Ulster BOCES join us to discuss the real digital divide, why banning AI doesn't work, and what technology can never replace—the human heartbeat of teaching. Whether you're AI-curious or AI-cautious, this conversation offers pra…

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Episode 252: Success Criteria 54:19

2M ago54:19

54:19

TR is joined by Mike Friedberg to talk about middle school science and using success criteria to check for mastery and track student progress Show Notes Edutopia videos profiling MCP: High School Elementary School Mike's unit plan demonstrating his use of success criteria The Danielson Framework Connect with Mike on Twitter/X @mfriedbergteach Learn…

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4] Fall Rescue: Beat Burnout with Colossians' Hidden Key 24:42

3M ago24:42

24:42

Teacher retention specialist, David McDuffie, shares the second hidden key to beat burnout in this October PD episode: using Colossians 2:13–15 to "disarm" negative powers in the classroom. He teaches practical steps—breaking legal claims, exposing lies (fear and ignorance), classroom routines, and a daily declaration—to help teachers reclaim autho…

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Four Lenses for Seeing Your Curriculum Differently 46:58

3M ago46:58

46:58

Too little curriculum or too much? Most teachers have experienced one extreme or the other. Dr. Jacqui Stolzer joins us to discuss her research on curriculum ideologies—four frameworks that help teachers identify the values embedded in their curriculum work, navigate professional tensions, and ask the critical question: What am I not seeing? A must…

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Episode 251: Chesapeake Schools 39:17

3M ago39:17

39:17

TR is joined by Jataune Jones and Freddie Alarcon to talk about how they supported teachers in a district-wide rollout of the MCP model and the positive outcomes of implementing at a large scale Show Notes Modern Classrooms + Chesapeake Impact Report Learning Experiences for the Upcoming Week It often feels harder to miss school than to teach when …

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Episode 250: Visual Rubrics 50:14

3M ago50:14

50:14

TR is joined by Eileen Ng to discuss her use of visual rubrics to enable authentic assessment, reflection, and learning Show Notes Examples of Eileen's visual rubrics: Spider Web Lab Report Four-Level Rubric EDrenaline RUsh The Personal Record Rubric The Spider Graph rubric, based on Dungeons and Dragons See also - Lucas Blair's "Dungeons and Drago…

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3] Fall Classroom Rescue: Beat Burnout & Reclaim Authority 20:24

3M ago20:24

20:24

October brings burnout, classroom chaos, and strained teams; this Fall Professional Development shares one of eight practical keys—rooted in James 4:7—to reclaim teacher authority by submitting to God and school policy, resisting distractions, and restoring order. Hear PD-style declarations, real classroom examples, and simple classroom management …

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Episode 249: Dungeons and Dragons and Self Pacing 1:02:57

3M ago1:02:57

1:02:57

TR is joined by Travis Hammer to talk about how he uses the MCP model in his Dungeons and Dragons class to teach social and soft skills through gaming Show Notes Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) Balder’s Gate III Wizards of the Coast SchoolAI [Example DnD Assignments](https://open.bu.edu Not Another DnD Podcast Dimension20 D20 Adventuring Academy The Ore…

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Episode 248: Station Rotation 55:54

3M ago55:54

55:54

TR is joined by Catlin Tucker to talk about the Station Rotation model of blended learning Show Notes Catlin Tucker NotebookLM "The Station Rotation Model and UDL," by Catlin Tucker Study Guide for The Station Rotation Model and UDL Universal Design for Learning The Four C's "The Shift to Student Led," by Catlin Tucker Learning Experiences for the …

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Episode 247: Engaging Professional Development 1:01:49

4M ago1:01:49

1:01:49

TR is joined by Erin Luckhardt and Kim Weaver to talk about the importance of relevant, differentiated professional development opportunities for teachers Show Notes Meet Every Learner's Needs, by Rob Barnett Kareem on the Cult of Pedagogy podcast: Everything You Need to Know About Building a Great Screencast Video How to Create a Self-Paced Classr…

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Episode 246: Math Mentor Relationship 42:56

4M ago42:56

42:56

Zach is joined by Candi Williams to talk about the MCP virtual mentorship experience and the value of personalized coaching and feedback in the MCP program Show Notes Wavio and The Wavio Pulse Tracker Zach's anonymized progress tracker Connect with Candi by email at [email protected] Learning Experiences for the Upcoming Week: Wan…

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Episode 245: Gamification in SPED 58:48

4M ago58:48

58:48

Toni Rose is joined by Dykeisha Hill to talk about using games of all types to bring joy into the classroom and connect with students Show Notes ArtyNerdShop - Dykeisha's Etsy City Year Freedom Riders Some of the games Dykeisha mentions: God of War Kingdom Hearts The Legend of Zelda Ed Tech tools Dykeisha mentions: Edpuzzle Nearpod Peardeck Comic b…

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2] Armor Up in Ubers: Daily Routine for Class Protection 19:19

4M ago19:19

19:19

B E A U Ti Ful Day! This live episode features David McDuffie sharing his morning routine for preparing for school teaching EACH DAY (even when chaos changes certain staples in your life a.k.a. car transport to uber). Stomp on evil spirits/negative energy --> dream analysis --> encouragement to trust God through financial & personal challenges --> …

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Episode 244: CTE Student 51:56

4M ago51:56

51:56

Zach is joined by Erin Luckhardt, Michele Deming, and their former student Eve Willoughby, to talk about CTE and using the MCP model to prepare students with real-world career experience Show Notes Kareem on the Cult of Pedagogy podcast: Everything You Need to Know About Building a Great Screencast Video How to Create a Self-Paced Classroom How to …

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Episode 243: Math and ELL 40:30

5M ago40:30

40:30

Zach is joined by Miguel Melchor to talk about his approach to working with multilingual learners and coaching teachers using the MCP model Show Notes Miguel's comprehensive resource "Personalized Learning for Multilingual Learners" Screenpal Screencastify Mote Universal Design for Learning Contact us, follow us online, and learn more: Email us que…

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1] Psalm 91 for Teachers: Morning Prayers to Guard Your Classroom 57:05

5M ago57:05

57:05

This episode encourages teachers to start the school year with Psalm 91 and daily prayers, inviting Jesus and the Holy Spirit into the classroom for protection, wisdom, and order. It blends Scripture, practical classroom encouragement, and an invitation to send specific prayer requests via [email protected] or Podbean comments.…

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Episode 242: EduProtocols 48:00

5M ago48:00

48:00

Toni Rose is joined by Zena Brown to talk about the Eduprotocols frameworks and explore the ways Zena uses them in her Modern Classroom Show Notes Edutopia videos profiling MCP: High School Elementary School Eduprotocols Quizziz Eduprotocols Resources ChatGPT Follow Zena on social media @zlbrownschools Contact us, follow us online, and learn more: …

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Episode 241: Alabama Teacher of the Year 57:08

5M ago57:08

57:08

TR is joined by Katie Collins, MCP educator and Alabama Teacher of the Year, to talk about how she uses the model to build community in her classroom and develop a growth mindset with her 1st graders Show Notes Alabama Teacher of the Year Cottage Gardens The Anxious Generation, by John Haidt Let Grow Lil' John's meditation videos Connect with Katie…

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Solid 1st month Start for Gen Alpha Rookie Teachers (summer series) 28:56

5M ago28:56

28:56

This episode is a must-listen for educators gearing up for the new school year or looking to strengthen their mid-year resolve. Join David Prof. McDuffie as he wraps up the summer series 'The Place of Value of Teachers.' Explore how to build a solid foundation, S-O-L-I-D, for your teaching journey, inspired by the parable of the two foundations fro…

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Shortcast 4: Building Authentic Relationships with Students 11:59

5M ago11:59

11:59

You can hear the full episode here Zach is joined by special guests Michael Carr and Toni Rose Deanon to talk about social emotional learning and how the Modern Classrooms Model helps us cultivate authentic relationships with students, in person and virtually. Show Notes Modern Classrooms resources for building relationships (Includes “Five by Five…