Happy New Year! Highlights of 2024

In this episode, the Unpacking Education team reviews the highlights from top podcast episodes of 2024. Each host shares favorite moments, guests, episodes, and insights from a year that featured another lineup of fantastic local and national guests. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

Transcript

#354 Happy New Year! Highlights of 2024

AVID Open Access
21 min

Keywords

relationships theme, media literacy, news literacy, shift writing, generative AI, universal design, blended learning, teacher guidance, tech integration, women in STEM, personal connections, administrative work, creative inspiration, future readiness, student agency

Transcript

Paul Beckermann 0:00 
Each year kind of has themes that evolve in education because I hear those themes kind of resonating through the different episodes that we've had.

Rena Clark 0:08 
But I think it all comes back to a theme we haven't changed, and that's relationship.

Winston Benjamin 0:13 
It just reminds me how great the work that we do is, as long as we put students in their dreams first.

Rena Clark 0:21 
The topic of today's podcast is Happy New Year! Highlights of 2024. Unpacking Education is brought to you by avid.org. AVID believes that we can raise the bar for education. To learn more about AVID, visit their website at avid.org. Welcome to Unpacking Education, the podcast where we explore current issues and best practices in education. I'm Rena Clark.

Paul Beckermann 1:00 
I'm Paul Beckerman.

Winston Benjamin 1:01 
And I'm Winston Benjamin. We are educators.

Paul Beckermann 1:05 
And we're here to share insights and actionable strategies.

Transition Music 1:09 
Education is our passport to the future.

Rena Clark 1:14 
Our quote for today is from the Scottish song, "Auld Lang Syne," which has come to be associated with New Years. Two of the lines in the song read, "We'll take a cup of kindness yet for old lang syne." All right. And I'm curious what y'all think. I feel like we've all heard this song tons of times.

Winston Benjamin 1:39 
Yeah, tons of times. I've sang it definitely in Times Square, trying to stay warm. So yeah, baby. And I still sometimes don't even know what I'm saying in Auld Lang Syne. I've messed that up, but I think what Auld Lang Syne is in the past, right? So sometimes you got to think about those old days, those past times somebody held you, somebody loved you, somebody said they cared about you. You know what I mean? Think about their memories, and just think about the Auld Lang Syne, the old days. It just brings me to a point of reminiscing. So I just like that idea.

Paul Beckermann 2:16 
And when you do that, share a cup of kindness, right? I mean, what can be better than a cup of kindness? That's just brilliant. And you know my saying, "Be kinder than you have to be." And if we do that for each other, we're gonna make this a fantastic new year. So pour a cup of kindness whenever you can, and the new year will be so much brighter.

Rena Clark 2:37 
This makes me want coffee and hot cider.

Paul Beckermann 2:41 
Eggnog.

Rena Clark 2:42 
Oh, eggnog lattes. That's done with now, though. We've moved on.

Paul Beckermann 2:46 
An eggnog latte?

Rena Clark 2:47 
What you've never had this, Paul?

Paul Beckermann 2:49 
No! This is a thing? Where have I been?

Rena Clark 2:52 
I don't know, but I have to half-cut it, because eggnog's so strong, so it's like half fat-free milk, half eggnog. And your espresso. You got to try it.

Paul Beckermann 3:03 
I'm gonna have to look for that now. I'm probably gonna have to wait till next year, or what?

Rena Clark 3:07 
They probably have some leftovers at the store. I don't know.

Paul Beckermann 3:11 
Okay, all right.

Rena Clark 3:12 
All right. Well, as we turn this page on 2024, we wanted to take one last look back at some of our most favorite moments from this past year. It's been a pleasure. We've gotten to do another full year together, another full year of Unpacking Education. If you'd asked me when we started this venture years ago, I hadn't imagined that we'd be here a few years down the road. So, it's been a privilege. And so this year, we got to speak with many amazing people. We got to explore new topics that I didn't even know were going to exist a few years ago. So, let's just go over it. We can kind of each chime in here, but what are some of those moments that we want to think back on? Our favorite moments?

Winston Benjamin 3:58 
I'll jump in. I'll throw the first one in. This one wasn't too long ago, but Episode 334, where we did media literacy with Dr. Federica. For me, it hit home because I remember all of my classes where we were just talking about the current events and being aware of literacy and the media literacy, just thinking about how that applies today even more. And I know sometimes we talk about like, Oh, our skill sets from our past don't really apply to our students in the future. But this is one where it showed me a through-line of how to help my students to be able to deal with their future of information overload and media overload. So, that was a nice little reminder.

Paul Beckermann 4:47 
Yeah, I'm gonna build on that one, Winston. I loved when we had Brittney Smith on the summer and she talked about the News Literacy Project, which is totally hand-in-hand with the episode that you talked about. And it's packed. She talked about the News Literacy Project website, which is packed full of resources that teachers can just take and integrate into their classrooms. So all the things that Dr. Federica was talking about, you can go to the News Literacy Project and get the resources to do it. I mean, it's a perfect marriage of two episodes, right there.

Rena Clark 5:19 
It makes me think about as we're shifting into supporting our students and those connections. But I really enjoyed that two-part series we had with Dr. Katie Novak and Dr. Catlin Tucker on Shift Writing into the Classroom, and really especially with generative AI, but shifting the writing process into classrooms across subjects. It's not just in the ELA classroom, it's not just in the writing classroom. And how we can really improve writing by having it across content areas, because it applies everywhere, and they gave us lots of great strategies, and especially I always enjoy their focus on UDL—so Universal Design for Learning—and blended learning strategies, and how those strategies can really create more inclusive and flexible instruction. And as we have more and more diverse learners, more and more diverse styles, and I feel like more multi-language learners, that this is the way in the future, and how we can we embrace these practices so that we truly can be more inclusive, authentic, and really responsive as the educational landscape really changes. I really appreciated that. If you all want to add on, I can't remember all the specifics of those two episodes, but I always enjoy talking with both of them. I just think it's so practical and imperative right now with the students we have in front of us.

Paul Beckermann 6:56 
Yeah, the thing that's really practical in there too is how they were shifting the grading even into the classroom, so the teachers don't have to bring all that grading home, and then the student gets verbal face-to-face feedback. So not only does it help the teacher, it helps the students, like this win-win situation.

Winston Benjamin 7:12 
And that's the thing. A lot of times are we've been so caught up in this whirlwind of tech and the pushing forward. And so I'm going to just throw another one of my favorite episodes is Episode 330. It's Teacher's Guide to Tech, with Jennifer Gonzalez. That conversation about how to step into it, how to think about ways of making small moves, what are the best opportunities for you being, again, as students are overwhelmed with the technology in the world, so are teachers. So it really is a good way to think about taking a step back and saying, "What can I do? How can I approach? What's the first step?" Someone has it organized in a way to help you really be able to look and see where your starting point could be. So I thought that was, especially as we all know, we have tons of episodes about AI and tech, so I think this is a really good way to step foot into that conversation.

Paul Beckermann 8:10 
Isn't it interesting how each year kind of has themes that evolve in education? Because I hear those themes kind of resonating through the different episodes that we've had. You know, even we had a few weeks ago, we had Danielle Eisenberg on, talking about skills of the future and how, because of all these changes that are happening with AI and tech skills and transferable skills and durable skills, and all these things that students need, they're looking at changing how we measure those things. Everything's kind of integrated. And I think that's really kind of an interesting retrospective when you look back, when the year is over.

Rena Clark 8:49 
But I think it all comes back to a theme we haven't changed, and that's relationship. So I was thinking Episode 268, with Robin Ilac, and it was Relationships: The Secret Ingredient in the Recipe of Success. And I just love that that role of the educator is just that positive relationships, among being an advocate for students, creating opportunities for collaboration. And and one thing that I love that she pointed out. It's not just between students, or teacher and students, but talking about collaborative culture or staff members, regardless of their roles. So we talked about, and we've had appreciation for all the different roles that make that community of school, whether it is the office manager or the lunch room manager or the custodian, but they all contribute to a supportive environment, and it benefits the entire community and how it's important. All those relationships matter. And then even going beyond that, that engaging with families, connecting with students and families. And in the end, it's that theme that carries through, even as the tech changes, even as instructional strategies might change, relationships are still at that center. And when we have good, positive relationships and community, then students are going to thrive.

Winston Benjamin 10:16 
Yeah, let's see. And then easily shifting into one of my last favorite episodes that we've recently done is the College and Career Connections. Just seeing Episode 310, seeing how a teacher can support a student and then that student takes on the opportunities and become great at something. And again, a lot of times with the way that our careers, the place that we work, we see a year, maybe four, of a child, as they grow and mature. We don't see the long journeys and the the seeds that we planted actually propagate and grow and flourish. So I think this episode also reminds me that little one thing, that little time, those little moments, those little Tuesday activities, where you're just telling them to remind them to do their job, and they're annoyed by you, and they're mad at you, and you still, as you said, Rena, love on them, and then later on, they grow to be something beyond your dreams. So, it just reminds me how great the work that we do is, as long as we put students and their dreams first. That it just helps me push through the years, you know.

Paul Beckermann 11:34 
That's so cool. I love that, that heartfelt delivery you had there, too, Winston, because I can tell this is really personal for you.

Winston Benjamin 11:41 
Yo, I used to work with high school dropouts and then having them believe in themselves beyond someone else telling them that they couldn't be, and no one saw the quality of a human they were. Taking care of their kids, just trying to do day-by-day stuff, and watching them finally believe that somebody believes in them, and then they believe in themselves. That's, that's where the magic is. That's why we talk about education as being magical, right? It's not the the paper grading or anything like that. It's like, "Ah, man, you were a D, and then look at you now. You actually jumped up to like a C+!" That growth right there. It may not seem like the greatest growth, but to actually turn around and find value in yourself is the best part of the work. So yeah, that episode really made me remember why I care about education and do the work that I do. So yeah, it mattered to me.

Paul Beckermann 12:38 
And you know, we've talked a lot about AI this year, but I think some of the true power of AI is that it can off-load some of that administrative work that we have to do, the busy work, so that we can take more time to spend with the relationships and with the kids and that personal connection. I love our episode with Eric Curts from Control, Alt, Achieve. He just has that mindset of what's real in the classroom and how we can reconnect with kids. And that's the power of AI for me. It's how can we gain back more of the personal by using some of the tech?

Rena Clark 13:18 
I think that translates it a little bit. We had our Women in STEM series, and so I really loved hearing from three rather different individuals. We had Lisette Terry, a friend of mine, who's a structural forensic engineer, and her story being the only woman of color. She's never worked with another black woman—ever—in her career, and her story about how she maped and how she was able to still accomplish those goals and the people that supported her along the way. And then we had Dr. Aileen Ettinger, who is a quantitative ecologist, to just helping us understand that science can be in so many different things, and could be outdoors, and promoting women in STEM and science and what that looks like. And then we had Dr. Carolyn Colley, who's doing that work in our schools as a science instructional facilitator. I always say I have the privilege of really reaping the fruit because I have a daughter attending that school who sees herself as a scientist as a result of the good work that she's doing, the guests that she's bringing in. I think I've told you about the drone pilot that follows the whales and making it relevant. My daughter never sees this as a barrier, like, science is cool. Women do these things. And that's a direct benefit. So having those three people is really special for me on a personal level, but just the work that they're doing, representing women in the field. I just loved hearing their story. So that was nice to do that series.

Paul Beckermann 14:54 
I'm going to throw one more in, and it's kind of a cheater one because it hasn't even been released yet. We recorded it, but it's coming out next week, and that's Inspiring Creativity, with Kevin Honeycutt. I just love our conversations with him because his passion for kids is undeniable. He just wants to inspire those kids. He wants to make a positive difference. So I really encourage everybody to tune in next week for that episode. He is a joy to listen to.

Rena Clark 15:24 
I mean, his energy is palpable. You can just feel it.

Paul Beckermann 15:28 
No kidding.

Winston Benjamin 15:29 
Rock out, baby. Rock out.

Rena Clark 15:39 
Well, as you can tell there's just been so many wonderful moments. And, as always, another thing I'm so grateful for and appreciative is the moments I get to have with my two co-hosts, both Winston and Paul. It's always a joy. I learn so much from both of you. Just your passion. I can't even say it in words how much I appreciate it. We call this work, but it doesn't feel like work. I get to be in what you'd call my flow mode with y'all. I don't even realize that an hour has passed, and it's the best hour of my week. So I appreciate you both.

Paul Beckermann 16:12 
Back at you Rena. You two are a cup of kindness in my world.

Winston Benjamin 16:18 
Auld Lang Syne.

Paul Beckermann 16:21 
And you know what? Sometimes you even laugh at my jokes. Now, last episode, I kind of got a bad time because I didn't bring in any jokes, so I had to lean on ChatGPT. So, I've got a few questions, and maybe we'll call this like a quiz for the end of the year. See if you can pass the quiz and proceed into the next, graduate into 2025.

Why do...There will be a chance to retake. We'll do that off the air. All right, so why do cows wear bells?

Winston Benjamin 17:03 
Because you need great music. What is that cow thing you need? Oh, man, what's that?

Rena Clark 17:06 
More cowbell?

Paul Beckermann 17:09 
Oh, that good. That's that's not the answer, but you might get extra credit for that. Maybe this is like an essay question. It's because their horns don't work. Use the bells. Anyway. So why was Cinderella so bad at soccer?

Rena Clark 17:33 
Because she had glass slippers?

Paul Beckermann 17:35 
That would actually play into it, but—she kept running away from the ball.

Winston Benjamin 17:45 
Awwww.

Paul Beckermann 17:45 
So, why did the one toilet think the other toilet might be feeling ill?

Winston Benjamin 17:51 
Is this is flushed.

Paul Beckermann 17:53 
Yes! It looked flushed.

Winston Benjamin 17:54 
Yeah, baby, yeah, baby.

Transition Music 17:57 
Winston, you've graduated, Winston. You've graduated.

Winston Benjamin 18:02 
I'm a boy. I'm down with the boy nasty toilet humor. Sorry.

Paul Beckermann 18:08 
So you might already know this one. This is kind of a tech one, but what was Forrest Gump's password?

Winston Benjamin 18:15 
Jenay.

Paul Beckermann 18:17 
What?

Rena Clark 18:18 
Jenay?

Paul Beckermann 18:20 
One, forest, one. One forest, one!

Rena Clark 18:24 
I was close. I said run, Forest!

Paul Beckermann 18:26 
You were! I'm gonna pass you on that, Rena. I will.

Rena Clark 18:33 
Okay.

Paul Beckermann 18:33 
And why shouldn't you use a broken pencil? That's the last one.

Winston Benjamin 18:37 
It has no point?

Paul Beckermann 18:38 
Yes! It's pointless. Winston, you're at the top of the class here today.

Winston Benjamin 18:43 
Hopefully one day I'll get the dad jokes on point.

Paul Beckermann 18:49 
Rena, you passed too. You're just such wonderful people. You're gonna pass, regardless. And actually, I'm not sure appreciating dad jokes is something to really strive for.

Winston Benjamin 19:04 
We all got life goals.

Paul Beckermann 19:07 
That's right. It's good to laugh a little bit with good friends. That's what I think.

Winston Benjamin 19:11 
Always.

Rena Clark 19:12 
Well, I hope this year we have a lot more laughter and we learn a lot more. So, go ahead.

Paul Beckermann 19:20 
I was just gonna say, I think we have a tune that we've recorded for everybody.

Rena Clark 19:24 
Ah, so yes, we're gonna end with our own special recording of Auld Lang Syne. We hope you enjoy and Happy New Year.

Winston Benjamin 19:35 
Happy New Year!

Rena, Winston, and Paul [singing] 19:50 
Should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind? Should old acquaintance be forgot in auld lang syne? For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne. We'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

Winston Benjamin 20:25 
Happy New Year!

Rena Clark 20:32 
Thanks for listening to Unpacking Education.

Winston Benjamin 20:35 
We invite you to visit us at AvidOpenAccess.org where you can discover resources to support student agency, equity, and academic tenacity to create a classroom for future-ready learners.

Paul Beckermann 20:50 
We'll be back here next Wednesday for a fresh episode of Unpacking Education.

Rena Clark 20:55 
And remember, go forth and be awesome.

Winston Benjamin 20:58 
Thank you for all you do.

Paul Beckermann 20:59 
You make a difference.