Episodes

  • New Report on Trends in Absenteeism

    New Report on Trends in Absenteeism
    Jan 20 2026

    This conversation explores the critical issue of chronic absenteeism in schools, highlighting the findings from a comprehensive report by SchoolStatus. The discussion covers the importance of attendance, the data methodology used, and the patterns observed in absenteeism across different grade levels. Dr. Kara Stern emphasizes the significance of early interventions, effective communication strategies with families, and the need for a systematic approach to improve student attendance. The conversation also addresses the unique challenges faced by middle school students and the role of parents in identifying early warning signs of disengagement.

    Report Link: https://www.schoolstatus.com/wp-content/uploads/SchoolStatus_2024-2025-Attendance-Trends-Report.pdf
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    38 mins
  • The Intersection of Educational Technology and Student Engagement

    The Intersection of Educational Technology and Student Engagement
    Jan 12 2026

    In this episode, Scott Titsworth and Shawn Young discuss the critical role of student engagement in education, exploring Shawn's journey from physics teacher to Chief Platform Officer at HMH. They delve into the importance of gamification in the classroom, the integration of AI in education, and the need for meaningful learning experiences. The conversation highlights the impact of great teachers, the onboarding process for new educational platforms, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI in education. They conclude with thoughts on the future of teaching and the importance of building relationships in the classroom.

    https://youtu.be/wfipL8BRZO4
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    52 mins
  • Helping Students Improve Reading Comprehension

    Helping Students Improve Reading Comprehension
    Dec 12 2025
    Reading is a fundamental skill for students; unfortunately, reading comprehension is diminishing for students nationally. Rebecca Kockler is the Executive Director for Reading Reimagined, a program with the Advanced Education Research and Development Fund (https://aerdf.org/programs/reading-reimagined/). In our conversation we explore the challenges faced by students in reading comprehension, the concept of the decoding threshold, and the need for ongoing support in reading skills. Rebecca shares insights from her work with Reading Reimagined, emphasizing the necessity of tailored interventions and the role of technology in enhancing reading education. The discussion highlights the goal of eradicating illiteracy and ensuring that all students can access and engage with complex texts, ultimately allowing them to focus on more enriching educational experiences.
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    38 mins
  • Using Robots in STEM Education

    Using Robots in STEM Education
    Dec 3 2025

    In this conversation, Scott Titsworth and Jason McKenna discuss the challenges and opportunities in STEM education, particularly focusing on the integration of robotics in the classroom. They explore the importance of early engagement in STEM, the role of creativity in motivating students, and the need for effective professional development for teachers. McKenna shares his journey from teaching to working with VEX Robotics and emphasizes the significance of providing students with hands-on learning experiences that foster collaboration and problem-solving skills.

    VEX Robotics: https://www.vexrobotics.com/

    Jason McKenna: https://www.jmckenna.org/
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    36 mins
  • Remote Teachers in Dayton Public Schools (Corrected Audio)

    Remote Teachers in Dayton Public Schools (Corrected Audio)
    Nov 12 2025
    In this episode of Teaching Matters, Scott Titsworth interviews Dr. David Lawrence, the superintendent of Dayton Public School District, discussing the challenges of teacher shortages, the innovative use of remote teachers, and the importance of a strong educational culture. Dr. Lawrence shares insights on the five C's approach, his journey into education, and the impact of technology on learning environments. The conversation also explores the future of education in light of technological advancements and the evolving needs of students.
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    37 mins
  • Remote Teachers in Dayton Public Schools

    Remote Teachers in Dayton Public Schools
    Nov 12 2025
    In this episode of Teaching Matters, Scott Titsworth interviews Dr. David Lawrence, the superintendent of Dayton Public School District, discussing the challenges of teacher shortages, the innovative use of remote teachers, and the importance of a strong educational culture. Dr. Lawrence shares insights on the five C's approach, his journey into education, and the impact of technology on learning environments. The conversation also explores the future of education in light of technological advancements and the evolving needs of students.
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    37 mins
  • Helping Students Find Careers through Jebbee

    Helping Students Find Careers through Jebbee
    Oct 16 2025

    Scott Titsworth and Stephanie Hickman Boyse discuss the psychological stress faced by college students and the importance of career guidance. Stephanie shares her personal journey from being a college student to becoming the co-founder and CEO of Jebbee, a free AI-driven platform that helps students explore career options and connect with professionals. Stephanie describes features of Jebbee and how it differentiates itself from other platforms. The discussion also covers how schools and companies can get involved with Jebbee and the positive impact it has had on students' career paths.

    Link to Jebbee:

    https://about.jebbee.com
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    35 mins
  • Aptitude Testing and Career Readiness in Danbury Local Schools

    Aptitude Testing and Career Readiness in Danbury Local Schools
    Oct 10 2025
    This is the second of a two-part series exploring the use of aptitude testing to help students envision career goals. In this episode of Teaching Matters, Scott Titsworth engages with Koree Hodgkinson and Victoria Hegsted from Danbury Local Schools in Ohio to discuss the implementation of YouScience (https://www.youscience.com), a platform designed to assist students in understanding career pathways. The conversation explores the unique challenges faced by a small school district, the importance of career readiness, and how data from Youth Science informs curriculum development and student support. The guests share insights on engaging parents, collaborating with local businesses, and the transformative impact of career assessments on students' futures.
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    31 mins