Summer break represents a much deserved time of rest and relaxation for teachers across the country. It also offers a great opportunity for you to brush up on your core skills, learn about new and inventive teaching best practices, and dig deeper into what you are passionate about.
There are many different ways to grow and learn more this summer, such as traveling, reading, or even taking a summer class. Another idea is a simple one: try listening to a podcast!
Did you know that there are many podcasts available for educators and several benefits to learning in this format? Podcasts can be listened to from just about anywhere: in the car, on a plane, on the beach, in the bathtub, poolside, or even at the dentist. Podcasts also have the ability inform, educate, and entertain, all at the same time. Emma Rodero from Pompeu Fabra University found that podcast listeners become more imaginative because they “generate more vivid images in their minds and have high levels of emotional involvement in the story.”1 In a world competing for your attention, podcasts may even help sharpen your listening skills. And the best benefit? Most podcasts are FREE!
With thousands of podcasts out there, where should you begin? Our team at PLS Classes found a handful terrific podcasts for educators, to help you learn more this summer. Our list includes podcasts as short as two minutes and up to an hour, giving you options to best fit your schedule.
Notable Podcasts for Educators to Listen to this Summer:
Steve Barkley Ponders Out Loud
For the past 35 years, Steve has served as an educational consultant to school districts, teacher organizations, state departments of education, and colleges and universities nationally and internationally, facilitating the changes necessary for them to reach students and successfully prepare them for the 21st century. A prolific published author, his weekly blog, Steve Barkley Ponders Out Loud, has evolved into a go-to resource for teachers and administrators all over the world.
Recent episode titles include:
- Talking in Class – Increasing the Quality & Quantity of Student Dialogue,
- Teaching and Learning With Simulations & Live Events, and
- Increasing Perseverance by Translating Goals into Behavior.
Barkley’s podcasts have been downloaded over 10,000 times this year alone by educators across the globe. They vary in length with most between 15 and 35 minutes, making it the perfect to listen to when stuck in traffic, relaxing on a lawn chair, or even filling time during your kids’ lessons or parents’ appointments.
The House of #EdTech by Christopher Nesi
Technology is constantly redefining the classroom and Nesi’s podcast explores the ways in which technology impacts education. Episodes share stories from teachers, leaders, and creators of new technology. Recent podcasts investigate these topics: using Instagram for teachers and how to get Google certified this summer. While short episodes run 20 to 30 minutes, the majority will be closer to the hour mark, making House of #EdTech a great podcast to listen to when you have more time, say flying on a plane, traveling in the car, or sitting on the beach.
The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast by Jennifer Gonzalez
This podcast includes a variety of teaching related topics, with a focus on teaching strategies, classroom management, education reform, and using technology. Many episodes feature interviews with educators, administrators, parents, and even students. Gonzalez explores topics about psychological and social dynamics of school. Episodes typically last 20 to 50 minutes, with the majority on the higher end of that range.
Angela Watson’s Truth for Teachers
Looking for some motivation? Who doesn’t need a pick me up once in a while? In 10 minutes, you’ll find teaching strategies, tips, and encouragement to help you get excited about teaching!
Science Underground by Ainissa Ramirez
Ainissa Ramirez is a scientist (Bell Labs, LucentTechnologies), an Ivy League professor (Yale University), a Ph.D. (Stanford University) and prolific inventor with six patents!2 As a “science evangelist,” Ramirez has put together a variety of two-minute episodes which represent a great way to learn about science in a short amount of time. Targeted toward students and teachers of STEM classes, Science Underground tackles summertime related content, including honey bees, fireworks, and fireflies.
Every Classroom Matters
“The show for busy teachers everywhere!”3 Edutopia blogger Vicki Davis interviews and leads conversations about best practices in teaching. Topics include:
- Creating Meaningful Learning Experiences
- How Teachers Can Find Time to Innovate
- Embracing an Open Culture in Your Classroom
Quiet: The Power of Introverts with Susan Cain
For those looking to reach a wider variety of student learning types, check out this podcast by Susan Cain. The first season of the podcast focuses on giving parents and educators the tools to empower quiet kids. This podcast can help educators reach introverted students and help build their self esteem. Typical episode length runs 20 to 25 minutes.
Did we miss your favorite podcast?
Please share your ideas for our community of educators in the comments section below. Tell us what you like about it.
1. Reamy, L. (2017, April 30). 7 Benefits of Listening to Podcasts. Retrieved June 14, 2018, from https://www.freshu.io/lauren-reamy/7-benefits-of-listening-to-podcasts↩
2. http://scienceunderground.org/about/↩
3. Ray, Betty. (2015, May 25). Best Education Podcasts. Retrieved June 14, 2018, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/best-education-podcasts-betty-ray↩