The Classroom Collaborative Podcast

Ep. 109 Teaching Transformed: Dr. Lori Elliott’s Return to the Classroom and Insights on Modern Education

Join Adam Peterson, Deedee Wills, and Dr. Lori Elliott as they discuss Dr. Elliott’s exciting transition from educational consultant and university adjunct to 6th grade classroom teacher. Discover her hands-on strategies for building positive school culture, supporting new teachers, and adapting to the evolving needs of today’s students. Whether you’re a veteran teacher, new educator, or instructional coach, gain inspiration and practical tips to start your school year strong! Perfect for educators looking for advice on classroom setup, fostering student engagement, and navigating career changes in education.You can find Dr. Lori on her:Blog: https://drlorielliott.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlorielliottedu/

Ep. 108 - Summer Break Plans, Healthy Habits, and Travel Tips for Teachers

In this episode, Deedee Wills and Adam Peterson dive into everything teachers need to know about making the most of summer break! Tune in as they swap stories about their own summer plans, from staycations to travel adventures—including cruise experiences and camping tips. The conversation touches on practical self-care ideas like being intentional with your downtime, finding awe in nature, and balancing technology use for true relaxation.Deedee also opens up about her personal journey toward heart health and shares strategies for healthy eating and movement during summer. Adam adds his insights on making small moments count, family traditions, and how teachers can prioritize their own well-being after a busy school year.Whether you're looking for fresh ideas on affordable summer fun, making the most of family time, or building healthy habits, this episode is packed with relatable stories, resources, and inspiration just for educators.

Episode 107: Behind Teach Like a Pirate: Dave Burgess Talks Books, Conferences, and Advice for Educators

Get ready for an insightful conversation with educator, author, and publisher Dave Burgess as he joins Adam Peterson and Deedee Wills on the Classroom Collaborative Podcast. This episode dives into Dave’s journey, his unique approach to professional development, and must-have book recommendations for teachers this summer.Here's what you'll learn in this episode:The origin story of "Teach Like a Pirate" and how Dave Burgess built his brand from the ground upDave’s advice for teachers wanting to share their ideas through speaking or publishingBehind-the-scenes insights into the Dave Burgess Consulting publishing processStandout book recommendations from the DBC Inc. lineup, including upcoming releases for K-3 educatorsHow Dave and his team foster authentic connections and community among educators and authorsTune in for candid discussions, practical inspiration, and actionable summer reading picks for teachers!You can find all of the books listed at:https://www.daveburgessconsulting.com/dbcibooks/You can find Dave:Website: https://daveburgess.com/Podcast: https://daveburgess.com/podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dbc_incFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dbcincBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/burgessdave.bsky.socialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/outrageousteaching

Episode 106: Kaci Bolls on Life’s Three Acts: From Singer to Kindergarten Teacher and Childrens’ Author

Join us as we chat with Kaci Bolls—kindergarten teacher, accomplished children’s music artist, and author of "Dare to Be Me." Discover how she's blended her diverse talents and experiences in the classroom and beyond.• Kaci’s journey from country music songwriter to kindergarten teaching at 40• The story behind her children’s book "Dare to Be Me" and its empowering message• Blending music and teaching: how her classroom and albums intersect• Insights into self-publishing versus partnering with hybrid publishers• Fun classroom stories, author visits, and future plans in education and musicLearn more about Kaci:Kaci is a kindergarten teacher, Kindie music artist, children's book author, speaker, and proud mom to two birddog brothers. Prior to getting her masters and heading to the classroom, Kaci spent almost two decades on Music Row in Nashville, TN as a country singer and songwriter. Her lifelong dream was (and still is) to work on Sesame Street. If Ms. Frizzle and Mr. Rogers had a baby, it would be Kaci. You can find Kaci:Email: kaci@kacibolls.comBlog: https://kacibolls.comDare To Be Me:  https://kacibolls.com/bookIG https://www.instagram.com/kacibollskids/TPT:  https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/birdie-b-creative

Episode 105: Math Manipulatives for Boosting Student Engagement with Keri Brown

Keri Brown shares K–5 math strategies using manipulatives to boost student engagement, classroom management, and deep learning in early math education.In this engaging episode of The Classroom Collaborative Podcast, I’m joined by southern teacher and educator Keri Brown from Enchanted Kindergarten to explore the powerful role of math manipulatives in K–5 classrooms. Whether you're teaching kindergarten or working as an interventionist, this episode is packed with practical teaching strategies to elevate math education through student exploration and hands-on learning.Keri shares her favorite takeaways from the book Mastering Math Manipulatives by Sarah Delano Moore and Kimberly R. Rby, plus how she brings concrete learning and pictorial learning into her daily math instruction. You'll hear how she manages classroom expectations, keeps manipulatives organized, and increases student engagement—even after the challenges of pandemic-era teaching.🔢 In this episode, you’ll discover:How to introduce and use math manipulatives effectively from kindergarten through second gradeThe connection between manipulatives and deep math understandingClassroom-tested tips for classroom management and material organizationHow Keri’s early childhood education background shapes her approachThe importance of professional development and attending educational conferences like the Educator SummitIf you're ready to make math more meaningful, this episode will leave you inspired with fresh, easy-to-implement ideas that make a big difference in how students learn.More About Keri:Keri is a K-2 interventionist, national speaker, author and curriculum creator from Alabama. With over 17 years in education, she previously taught both kindergarten and 1st grade. She’s all about mixing hands-on activities with research based ideas. Thriving to be a lifelong learner, she is always on the lookout for fresh ways to engage her students and help fellow educators. She shares her teaching ideas and what she’s learned along the way through her platform, Enchanted Kinder Garden.Email:keri@enchantedkindergarden.com Blog: https://www.enchantedkindergarden.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enchantedkindergarden