Best Flashlight Learning Podcasts (2025)

1
Rewriting the Future with Martha Boisselle and Kristen Leathers 46:26

6h ago46:26

46:26

This episode of ML Chat is a love letter to multilingual learners and the teachers who fight for them. Mandi Morris sits down with Martha Boisselle and Kristen Leathers, whose work in Boston Public Schools is transforming what it means to teach English—not as a barrier, but as a bridge. It’s a story of heart, courage, and the power of educators to …

1
Seeing Students, Changing Systems with Steve Gill & Marcelo Sousa 1:08:27

12d ago1:08:27

1:08:27

In this episode of ML Chat, Steve Gill and Marcelo Sousa engage in a powerful conversation about what it truly means to support multilingual learners. Drawing on their personal experiences and decades of work in schools, they discuss how empathy, mentorship, and listening to students' stories can transform education. It’s a poignant reminder that r…

1
The Multilingual Toolbox: Strategies That Speak Every Student’s Language with Dr. Sugely Solano 48:13

26d ago48:13

48:13

Join the ML-Chat Podcast as Dr. Suha Solano, a trailblazing leader for multilingual learners, shares her powerful journey from the Dominican Republic to Delaware’s Brandywine School District. With heart, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, she dives into the tools and strategies transforming classrooms into empowering spaces for all!…

1
Dr. Ester De Jong: Building Strong Education from the Inside Out 56:33

1M ago56:33

56:33

Is curiosity the secret ingredient to success in education? This week’s ML Chat Podcast highlights Dr. Ester De Jong, a trailblazer in bilingual education. From beginning her career in the Netherlands to shaping ESL education in the U.S., Dr. De Jong shares why curiosity is key to a thriving teaching career and how self reflection empowers educator…

1
Leslie Jones and Adriana Cernucan: Multilinguals are the Powerhouse of the Classroom 45:56

2M ago45:56

45:56

In this episode of the ML Chat Podcast, ML-specialist Adriana Cernucan and K-12 science coordinator Leslie Jones dish out how they’re supercharging language learning with content-based science classes. By blending language goals with science lessons, they’re helping students boost both writing and content skills—flipping multilingualism from a chal…

1
Jeanette Mercer: The Impact of Inclusivity 51:17

2M ago51:17

51:17

As the Director of Multilingual Instructional Support at Aldine ISD, Jeanette Mercer leads the charge in supporting over 57,000 students across 80 campuses. Jeanette joins the ML Chat Podcast and reveals the game-changing strategies behind her district’s success, and how teachers and students alike are reaping the rewards of culturally inclusive te…

1
S7 Ep1: Mothman Metamorphosis: Steel & Paint, Part 2 1:05:07

2M ago1:05:07

1:05:07

Part 2 about the Mothman legend and subsequent art. Stories about the area the legend grew up in, Point Pleasant, West Virgina. Learn about artists Frank Frazetta and Bob Roach and their iconic mothman pieces. Mothman has been identified by some as a portent to the tragic collapse of the Silver Bridge in Point Pleasant, WV. Episode Image Source: fr…

1
Sarah Whitfield: Going with the Flow 43:54

3M ago43:54

43:54

On this episode of the ML Chat podcast, we dive into Sarah Whitfield’s rapidly changing world as a District ML Instructional Specialist for Cabarrus County Schools. As the ML population in North Carolina grows, Sarah and her district grow along with it, developing enrichment programs and inclusive teaching practices that have students and teachers …

1
Lauren MacLean: Community Care and Collaboration 48:43

3M ago48:43

48:43

Educator Lauren MacLean has found a powerful community-based approach to teaching multilingual learners. In this week’s ML Chat podcast, Lauren shows us the importance of building meaningful connections with students and their families, playing to a student’s strengths, and how teachers can learn from their students in return.…

1
D-I-WHY: Creating Language-Rich Learning with Katie Toppel 1:10:04

4M ago1:10:04

1:10:04

Get schooled by our latest discussion with Dr. Kate Toppel, educator, organizer, and author of DIY PD: A Guide to Self-Directed Learning for Educators of Multilingual Learners. She shares strategies for successful co-teaching, balancing responsibilities with motherhood, and the power of K.I.S.S. - Keeping It Simple, (for) Students.…

1
Erick Olivas: Kicking Down Barriers 41:29

4M ago41:29

41:29

Erick Olivas joins the ML Chat Podcast to share about his journey of immigrating to the U.S. with his family at age 2. Hear about his parents’ sacrifice, overcoming the language barrier, and how playing soccer kept his feet on the ground through it all.By Flashlight Learning

1
Erick Casallas: Advancing Equity for English Learners 53:00

5M ago53:00

53:00

In this ML Chat Podcast episode, hosts Justin Hewett and Mandi Morris talk with Erick Casallas, Assistant Superintendent for English Learners in Clark County, Las Vegas. Erick shares his journey from school volunteer to district leader, offering insights on supporting English learners through love, respect, and active student participation.…

1
Jessica Payano: Strategies for Supporting Multilingual Learners in Content Classes 47:26

6M ago47:26

47:26

In this episode of the ML Chat Podcast, Justin Hewett and Mandi Morris chat with Jessica Payano, a former NYC science teacher and educational consultant. Jessica shares tips for integrating language learning into content classes, building schema, and activating prior knowledge. Learn high-impact, low-effort strategies and how empathy and collaborat…

1
Meg Burke and Bethany Gale: Building Professional Learning Networks 49:37

6M ago49:37

49:37

In this ML Chat Podcast episode, hosts Justin Hewett and Mandy Morris welcome seasoned educators Meg Burke and Bethany Gale to discuss building impactful professional learning networks (PLNs). They share insights on creating effective PLNs, their WIDA conference presentation, and the power of flexible professional learning, all centered on student …

1
Shawn Ford: Empowering Future TESOL Educators 58:33

7M ago58:33

58:33

In this episode of the ML Chat Podcast, hosts Justin Hewett and Mandi Morris dive into an inspiring talk with Shawn Ford, an educator from Kapi'olani Community College in Hawai'i. Shawn reveals his unexpected path into teaching and the game-changing Second Language Teaching Program that’s shaping future TESOL educators with real-world skills. Disco…

1
Mary Castanuela: Balancing Heritage and Education 1:08:00

7M ago1:08:00

1:08:00

Don't miss this episode of the ML Chat Podcast, where Mary Castanuela, a first-generation Mexican American and Regional Testing Coordinator, shares her journey of balancing cultural heritage with educational success. Mary offers powerful insights on supporting bilingual students, fostering collaboration, and preserving heritage languages.…

1
Navigating Education and Multilingual Learning with Fred Pleis 50:10

7M ago50:10

50:10

Join host Mandi Morris on the ML Chat Podcast as she interviews Fred Pleis, an instructional specialist for multilingual learners in Charleston County. Fred shares his journey from aspiring accountant to teacher, shaped by martial arts, and his work in multilingual education across Philadelphia, California, and Colorado. He also discusses high-reli…

1
S6 Ep4: Stay Spooky Phenomecon, Part 1 11:35

8M ago11:35

11:35

Join me for the nickel tour, an experiment with artificial intelligence (AI), using my Phenomecon 2024 report as only the Whispering Gallery can bring it. With a velvety “blended” of spiced chai latte* and the Phenomecon mantra “we believe” which is a tad more than I’m personally comfortable with. I don’t “believe” carte blanche and personally I wo…

1
Mia Allen: Transforming Lives Through Language Education 55:14

8M ago55:14

55:14

In this ML Chat Podcast episode, hosts Justin Hewett and Mandi Morris talk with Mia Allen, a veteran educator with 25 years of experience serving language learners. Mia shares her journey as a teacher, coach, consultant, and WIDA certified trainer, discussing her work in dual language curriculums, SLIFE teaching, and her return to the classroom to …

1
A Journey Through Education with David Gomez 55:48

8M ago55:48

55:48

In this episode of the ML Chat Podcast, hosts Justin Hewett and Mandi Morris chat with Dave Gomez, Director of Educational Equity for Granite School District, about his 30-year career in education. He shares his journey from bilingual tutor to leadership roles, reflecting on his migrant background, mentorship, and the importance of cultural sensiti…

1
Transforming Education Through Policy and Practice with Jannelle Kubinec 54:09

9M ago54:09

54:09

In this episode of the ML Chat Podcast, hosts Justin Hewett and Mandi Morris dive into a dynamic conversation with Jannelle Kubinec, the visionary CEO of WestEd. Discover how Kubinec is driving change through research-based practices, embracing joyful learning environments, and empowering teachers. Jannelle talks about her transformative work on Ca…

1
S6 Ep3: Mothman Metamorphosis: Steel & Paint, Part 1 18:01

9M ago18:01

18:01

This episode offers an introduction to our next spooky art pieces about a cryptid that hails from West Virginia, has been deemed a portent who was seen between 1966 and 1967, ending after the tragic collapse of the Silver Bridge. Episode Image Source: frazettamuseum.com Frazetta Gallery Store, Frank Frazetta, 1980, Art Print No. 118 - Mothman, pain…

1
AI’s Impact on Language Learning with Noemi Rodriguez 42:42

9M ago42:42

42:42

In this ML Chat Podcast episode, language educator Noemi Rodriguez joins hosts Justin Hewett and Mandi Morris to discuss her insights into language education, curriculum design, and AI's role in classrooms. Noemi shares her motivation from her mother's multilingual journey and explores AI's benefits and challenges in education. The episode also hig…

1
Essential Language Strategies with Tatyana Vdovina 1:02:18

10M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

In this ML Chat Podcast episode, hosts Justin Hewett and Mandi Morris talk with Tatyana, Deputy Project Director for the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition. With over 20 years of experience, Tatyana shares her journey as an English learner from Moldova and her expertise in second language acquisition, applied linguistics, and e…

1
Unpacking Language Acquisition with Educator Tan Huynh 59:09

11M ago59:09

59:09

In this ML Chat Podcast episode, hosts Justin Hewett and Mandi Morris interview Tan Huynh, an experienced educator specializing in English language acquisition. They discuss his teaching methods, collaboration in classrooms, his new book with Beth Skelton, and the importance of content learning and language development for multilingual learners. Ta…

1
Managing Multilingual Growth with Robert Gouthro 1:09:01

11M ago1:09:01

1:09:01

In this episode of the ML Chat Podcast, hosts Justin Hewett and Mandi Morris speak with Robert Gouthro, ML Coordinator for Berkeley County School District. Gouthro discusses managing the rise of multilingual learners, effective programs, and supporting teachers. He stresses the need for systemic changes, better data tools, teacher development, and …

1
Risa Woods: Advocacy Over Pity, Shifting Mindsets for Student Support 49:24

12M ago49:24

49:24

In this episode of the ML Chat Podcast, hosts Justin Hewett and Mandi Morris welcome Risa Woods, an advocate for newcomer and English learner students. Risa shares practical tips and insights from her influential Instagram channel, stressing the significance of championing students rather than sympathizing for them. Find out how to better support n…

1
Beth Skelton on Multilingual Education Success Strategies 54:31

12M ago54:31

54:31

Join hosts Justin Hewett and Mandi Morris on the ML Chat Podcast as they welcome Beth Skelton, a distinguished language educator and co-author of 'Long Term Success for Experienced Multilinguals.' Beth shares her journey, providing invaluable guidance for educators and administrators on multilingual education. Delving into essential strategies such…

1
S6 Ep2: The Clue of the Crumbling Cake Paintings 41:07

1y ago41:07

41:07

Whispering Gallery Podcast WGP: Clue of the Crumbling Cake Paintings A still life is a category of artwork that dates back to the 1600’s. A collection of things brought together (inanimate) gathered often on a table for the artist to work from and reference. The artist can work with this grouping of items, coming back over one or more sessions to c…

1
Marybelle Marrero Colon Sheds Light on Uplifting English Learners with Disabilities 50:13

1y ago50:13

50:13

Marybelle Marrero Colon, from the Center for Applied Linguistics, offers a valuable perspective on identifying learning disabilities in English learners while leaning into her own journey to share insight and perspective for students walking through the identification process. Learn about the significance of comprehensive education, precise evaluat…

1
Empowering Immigrant Voices: Tea Rozman's Journey 37:59

1y ago37:59

37:59

Step into the captivating world of immigrant narratives on this ML Chat Podcast episode with Tea Rozman, co-founder of Green Card Voices. She shares her remarkable journey from working in refugee camps to empowering individuals through storytelling. Her work brings transformative impact by amplifying immigrant journeys and building projects like Gr…

1
Kia Johnson: Education Leadership and Advocacy Insights 55:59

1y ago55:59

55:59

Tune in to the ML Chat podcast for an interview with Kia Johnson from the Center for Applied Linguistics! Discover her journey from paraprofessional to education leader, perspectives on family engagement, Title III compliance, and teacher advocacy. Get valuable information on alternative certification and teacher assistant pathways. Don't miss this…

1
Dual Language Assessment Insights and Innovation with Elizabeth Sanchez Szepesi 53:11

1y ago53:11

53:11

Tune in to the ML Chat podcast with hosts Justin and Mandi as they discuss Elizabeth Sanchez Szepesi's insights around building and growing a dual-language program. Explore topics like assessment equity in both goal languages and growing a dual-language program to meet the changing needs of your district. Elizabeth shares valuable insight and persp…

1
S6 Ep1: Unreal Hollow Earth Drawings, Part 2 28:01

1y ago28:01

28:01

Come with me my friends into the strange “inner world” of—one of the unreal hollow earth drawings. I decided I needed to narrow down to one drawing for our story. Captain John Cleves’s Symmes jr, (captain of the U.S. Army, starting as an Ensign in 1802, and honorably discharged 13 years later in 1815 as a captain). After that he tried working as a …

1
Maria Cieslak Ignites Student Passion for STEM and Language Integration 45:28

1y ago45:28

45:28

In Episode 21 of ML Chat Podcast, Maria's infectious enthusiasm for science teaching sparks lifelong curiosity among students. Collaborating with peers and instructional coaches, Maria fosters a vibrant learning community. Her approach transforms the classroom into a shared space of discovery, integrating content teaching with language learning to …

1
Empowering English Language Learners with Pamela Broussard 59:49

1+ y ago59:49

59:49

Join Pamela Broussard, a multilingual educator and advocate, as she unpacks empowering strategies to enhance student engagement while building student independence and confidence. Broussard shares insights from her Leading ELLs Facebook group, which promotes resource-sharing among educators. She exemplifies a commitment to inclusion, hands-on learn…

1
Authentic Assessments for Multilingual Learners with Stef Just and Jackie Griffin 52:13

1+ y ago52:13

52:13

Uncover innovative strategies for authentic assessments, tailored for multilingual learners. Learn from leaders Steph Just and Jackie Griffin about formative assessments, inclusive systems, and maintaining high expectations with flexibility. Elevate your teaching practices with practical insights about the cycle of formative assessment and informed…

1
Co-Teaching Triumphs: Kathy & Keenan's Educational Insights 57:37

1+ y ago57:37

57:37

In Episode 18 of the ML Chat Podcast, educators Kathy Alston and Keenan Lee discuss their co-teaching model for multilingual students at Harrisburg School District. They share insights on relationship-building among teachers, adapting to student demographics, and overcoming challenges post-COVID. Be inspired by their data-driven methodology, teache…

1
Unveiling Language Learning Challenges with Mandi Morris 57:30

1+ y ago57:30

57:30

Embark on an insightful conversation with Mandi Morris, the National Curriculum and Instruction Specialist for Flashlight Learning, as she discusses the intricate landscape of teaching English as a second language. Explore the challenges in secondary English learning education, from resource scarcity to teacher turnover, while emphasizing the pivot…

1
Assessment Implications: The Impact of High Stakes Assessments on the Language Learning Journey 44:09

1+ y ago44:09

44:09

This week on the ML Chat Podcast we are bringing you something a little different. Last month we hosted our latest in the ML Chat Webinar Series where we were joined by multilingual educators from across the country to discuss high-stakes assessments. The webinar featured Jen Albury and Jayme Croff, who you may have heard on previous episodes of th…

1
S5 Ep6: Unreal Hollow Earth Drawings, Part 1 27:52

1+ y ago27:52

27:52

Welcome to the Whispering Gallery podcast! I’m Suzanne Nikolaisen and if this isn’t your first rodeo - er, time listening, you know that together we seek out the spooky, unusual and fascinating stories from the art world—to understand the art and the related “unknown” a little better, and boy—howdy, did I find another “strange” doozy of a pseudosci…

1
Bilingual Brilliance: Navigating ESL Success with Connie Sisneros 1:04:14

1+ y ago1:04:14

1:04:14

Embark on Connie Sisneros' inspiring journey from monolingual teacher to ESL specialist and bilingual director. Uncover the impact of professional development, Flashlight 360, and high expectations on student success. Dive into her valuable advice for fostering collaborative growth in bilingual and ESL instruction.…

1
Journeying through Multilingual Education with Jen Albury 51:30

1+ y ago51:30

51:30

Step into an engaging podcast conversation with the remarkable educator and multilingual education advocate, Jen Albury. She shares her inspiring journey from teaching in Mexico to her current role in Holyoke Public Schools, Massachusetts. Discover the power of asset-based teaching, student-centric learning, and the importance of language in educat…

1
Charting the Future of Education: A Pioneering Discussion with Jonathan Lemaster 51:54

1+ y ago51:54

51:54

Step into the world of education transformation with Jonathan Lemaster on the ML Chat Podcast. As a language and learning specialist in the Poway Unified School District in San Diego, and the co-founder of Literacy Geeks, Jonathan's passion for skill-based instruction and ed tech shines through. With over two decades of experience, he emphasizes th…

1
Unlocking Success: Jayme Croff's Inspiring Journey in Multilingual Education 48:55

1+ y ago48:55

48:55

Dive into the dynamic world of multilingual education with Jayme Croff, a passionate advocate and leader in the field. Join the ML Chat Podcast as Jayme shares her inspiring journey, from the classroom to supporting diverse learners, and the transformative shift towards inclusive, asset-based approaches. Discover the power of collaboration, data-dr…

1
Building an ML program with Kim Peterson 56:12

1+ y ago56:12

56:12

In this episode of the ML Chat Podcast Kim Peterson joins Justin and Tim to delve into the pivotal role of speaking for English learners. She underscores its significance as a foundation for success in reading and writing and ultimately being able to pass the state assessment. Kim also walks through her journey of building a program from the ground…

1
Voices of NABE: What I Wish I’d Known 46:29

1+ y ago46:29

46:29

This week on the ML Chat Podcast we are excited our final episode from our Voices of NABE Series where you get to hear directly from the ML Community that joined us at the 2023 NABE Conference. On this episode we ask educators the question "What do you wish you had known when you started your career?". Tim Blackburn and Justin Hewett discuss their …

1
S5 Ep5: Ghosts of Legendary Labyrinths, Part 2 23:08

2y ago23:08

23:08

On the island of Britain, between the Atlantic ocean and the North Sea, lies a haunted castle. Okay, yes—technically there are probably a bunch of haunted castles on -this- island. We’re looking for Alnwick Castle in Northumberland in northern UK, in particular. Alnwick castle (parts of which were founded in 1096) has a peculiar bamboo labyrinth in…

1
Voices of NABE: Connections Across Languages 27:09

2y ago27:09

27:09

This week on the ML Chat Podcast we are excited for another episode from our Voices of NABE Series where you get to hear directly from the ML Community that joined us at the 2023 NABE Conference. On this episode we hear how educators are helping their students make connections across languages and build the language they already have.…

1
Voices of NABE: Promoting Writing Fluency 32:55

2y ago32:55

32:55

This week on the ML Chat Podcast we continue our “Voices of NABE” series, where we get a chance to hear directly from the ML Community that joined us at the 2023 NABE Conference. On this episode we react to the answers to the question “How are you promoting writing fluency in your program”. Again, the answers are a great insight in the world of mul…

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