Education is a dynamic field, constantly adapting to maximize student success. At the Ayers Institute we're always looking for inspiring educators, instructional strategies, and leadership methods that are making a difference in classrooms and communities. Join us on a quest to find the best in education: compelling people, current topics, practical tips, and innovative solutions. We'll ask timely questions as we seek information and inspiration from people who are doing great work in education.
The Ayers All Access podcast is brought to you by the Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation at Lipscomb University's College of Education.
Program Episodes
10: Favored Book - Everyone Always
What change would occur in our classrooms, in our schools, and in our lives if we truly shifted our mindset to love everyone, always? Even when it's most difficult. That is the challenge and encouragement set before us by author Bob Goff in the book "Everyone, Always." In this 'favored book' episode, Dr. Andrea Pewitt, Program Director for the IDEAL program at Lipscomb University, shares why she chose this book and how it has made a positive impact on her work with students and parents.
9: AMA - Coaching #1
We’ve gathered questions from current teachers and leaders from all across the state of Tennessee for this "Ask Me Anything" episode about coaching. We will be posing your questions to Dr. Karen Marklein, an experienced educator and coach who is currently serving as the Director of Programs for the Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation at Lipscomb University’s College of Education.
8: School Stories - The Humanity in Educators
Joy, love, kindness, and empathy are so important in our school buildings and within our school communities. It's also important to remember that teachers need to be upheld as valuable assets within those communities and that each teacher is an individual on a personal and professional journey. This episode features some real-world school stories from Dr. Lance Forman that focus on "the humanity in educators."
7: My Why with Morgan Rankin - 2022 Tennessee Teacher of the Year
Each "My Why" episode uncovers the journey of one educator: a teacher or leader who has chosen to devote his or her life to the education profession. Each story is different, yet each is an exploration of motivation, purpose, and hope.
6: On The Road #2 - Pride
We have recently visited school districts all across the state of Tennessee and it is so encouraging to see school pride displayed within the schools and around their communities. Expressions of pride range from displaying school colors, to creating inviting environments, to displaying student work. This episode includes stories from our travels. Join us in thinking about the positive impact of having a positive self-identity about our schools and our students, teachers, and leaders.
5: AMA - edTPA (assessment) #1
For this "Ask Me Anything" episode, we will be talking with Dr. Karen Marklein, Director of Programs for the Ayers Institute and Assistant Professor in the College of Education at Lipscomb University. edTPA® is a digital portfolio that teaching candidates compile during one semester of their certification journey.
4: Finding 30 Extra Minutes in Every School Day
This “Always Learning” episode of the Ayers All Access podcast focuses on using technology to make us more efficient and effective educators. Dr. Ronda Blevins, an Assistant Professor of Education at Carson-Newman University shares practical tips for redirecting your time toward instruction and students: automating processes, prepared learning supports, and communicating using technology.
3: On The Road #1 - Hospitality
In the last few weeks, we have visited school districts from the furthest East Tennessee to the furthest West Tennessee. From open doors, to travel accommodations, to a very "special guest" boxed lunch: there have been so many examples of the kindness and hospitality of educators! It's part of who we are as teachers, leaders, and community members. And if we're seeing it in our interactions, we have confidence that hospitality is also happening inside classrooms– welcoming students into safe and brave spaces for learning and growth!
2: AMA - Social Studies #1
For this "Ask Me Anything" episode, we will be talking with Dr. Rachael Milligan, Assistant Dean for Program Innovation for the Lipscomb College of Education and the Director of the Ayers Institute. Rachael currently teaches the Social Studies methods course at Lipscomb University and she is a former middle-school social studies teacher who is passionate about the importance of the content area. We've gathered some questions and Rachael has not seen them in advance, so there will be some surprises.
1: Welcome to Ayers All Access
Welcome to this inaugural episode of the Ayers All Access podcast. Great things are coming in the days and weeks ahead. With this new program, we're going to share really practical information and we're going to have a lot of fun. Today, we want to take a few minutes to let you know what you can expect on "All Access" and to introduce you to the team and the Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation. If you're involved or interested in education, this is the place and your podcast.