Field Trip Podcast

Fight Burnout (and the Teacher Shortage) with New Teacher Mentoring

Today we delve into the critical issue of teacher shortages – and how mentoring programs can be a game-changer. Lynette Thorstensen, a PD specialist in Brevard Public Schools in Florida, shares how her district is tackling this nationwide challenge head-on. Get an in-depth look at Brevard’s comprehensive approach to supporting new teachers, including alternative certification pathways and the powerful role of mentorship. From “Survival Orientations for Success” to mock classrooms and ongoing mentor-mentee partnerships, Lynette’s detailed breakdown shows how support and continuous professional development can lead to higher retention and a more robust teaching workforce. What You'll Learn: Expanding the Path to Teaching: Discover how Brevard Public Schools are addressing teacher shortages through alternative certification pathways. Mentorship Impact: Understand the critical role mentors play in supporting new teachers and reducing burnout. Scaffolded Support: Learn about the step-by-step support systems in place, from Survival Orientation for Success (SOS) to New Teacher Academy. Feedback-Driven Improvement: Explore how Brevard uses frequent feedback to continuously refine and improve their mentoring programs. Practical Implementation: Get ideas for implementing similar mentoring structures in your own district to foster teacher retention and success.

Forging New Pathways to Teaching

What is a Registered Apprenticeship Program in education? And how can it help school districts solve the teacher shortage?Andrea Dickson, Director of Talent Acquisition in Brazosport Independent School District in Texas, shares how their apprenticeship program enables them to open teaching up to more people who want to teach — but who may otherwise have encountered barriers to entering the profession. She describes how they structure the program and offers specific steps for any districts seeking to implement a similar offering.Highlights: Innovative pathways: this alternative route to teacher certification makes it possible for participants to avoid the financial hurdles that come with the cost of a traditional teacher preparation program or taking time off of work. Addressing the teacher shortage: The program is helping Brazosport ISD fill vacancies by offering on-ramps for internal and external candidates.Supportive framework: Apprentices receive hands-on experience and mentorship from veteran teachers — and emerge from the program well-equipped from day one.Community engagement: The program naturally enhances the diversity of the teaching workforce by attracting talent from the community.

K-12 Lens: Highlights from Frontline’s Annual Survey Report

This episode of Field Trip looks at highlights from the inaugural edition of “K-12 Lens,” an annual survey report from the Frontline Research & Learning Institute. Rebecca Strott, Vice President of Market Intelligence for research firm C+C, looks at the highlights from the survey, and explores the pressing challenges and emerging opportunities within K-12. From staffing challenges and strategies for retention to concerns around student mental health and cybersecurity to the integration of AI into education, listen as we consider the current state and future possibilities for K-12. Timeline 00:00 - Introduction 00:25 - Exploring the "K-12 Lens" Survey with Rebecca Strott 01:46 - Deep Dive into Hiring and Staffing Challenges 04:39 - The Importance of Professional Development for Retention 06:00 - Addressing Student Mental Health in Schools 10:55 - Navigating Technology and Cybersecurity in Education 13:45 - The Future of Education: AI, Funding, and Data Analytics 18:40 - Interdepartmental Relationships and the Impact on School Operations 21:03 - Conclusion and Resources Dig DeeperK-12 Lens: Access the full report for a more detailed look at the data.

AI in Education: Current Outlook? What’s Coming Next? How Should Schools Respond?

Diving into the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) in K-12 education, with a focus on its implications for educators, administrators, and students! Dr. Ellen Agnello, a former classroom teacher turned consultant and researcher, shares insights from her recent study on AI's integration into schools, addressing teachers' and administrators' perceptions, the potential uses of AI for learning and administrative tasks, and the challenges involved in adopting this technology. We also highlight: Key differences in comfort and attitude between teachers and administrators regarding AI The role of AI in enhancing teaching practices and professional development The importance of AI literacy and the need to balance technological advancements with the intrinsic value of interpersonal learning experiences What the future of AI in education may holdTimeline00:00 - Introduction to AI in Education: Perspectives and Potential00:49 - From Classroom to AI Research03:44 - Surveying Educators on AI: Insights and Surprises07:45 - AI Detection Tools and Teacher Concerns09:19 - Navigating the AI Spectrum in Schools11:15 - Demystifying AI for Educators13:57 - AI's Practical Applications in the Classroom22:09 - Expanding AI Use Beyond the Classroom25:17 - Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in EducationRelated Resource: The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in K-12 Professional Development: AI has been everywhere in the news, and education is no exception. This blog post dives into AI’s place in education now and in the future.

Empowering Parents in Special Education

In this episode of Field Trip, we dive into the crucial role of parent involvement in special education. Dr. Kristen Williams, Executive Director for Disability Services in the San Antonio Independent School District, shares her extensive experience and passionate insights into the dynamics of educational support and parent engagement. With over three decades in special education, Dr. Williams offers practical advice for schools and educators on fostering positive, proactive relationships with families. We'll uncover: The Importance of Parent Involvement: No one knows and loves a child more than their parents. How can schools leverage this for better educational outcomes? Strategies for Positive Engagement: Innovative approaches and best practices for engaging parents in their children's education, moving beyond traditional methods to create a supportive and inclusive environment. Real-Life Success Stories: How intentional actions and policies have led to significant improvements in parent participation. Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone interested in the field of education, this is a must-listen for anyone looking to make a difference in the lives of children with special needs. Timeline 00:00 - Introduction: The Importance of Parental Involvement in Special Education 00:48 - The Role of Parents in Special Education 01:59 - Strategies for Positive and Proactive Parent Involvement 02:37 - Building Parent Capacity and Encouraging Participation 04:32 - The Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) 05:14 - Effective Communication with Parents 07:12 - Empowering Parents through Education and Advocacy 09:17 - Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Parent Involvement