School Specialty Podcasts

Stay up-to-date on the latest tips and trends in education, and gain expert advice with School Specialty’s podcasts. Take a listen and explore all the ways we help educators transform more than classrooms!

SchoolYard Podcast Host - Nancy Chung

The Schoolyard

Expert guests discuss educational trends, seasonally relevant topics, as well as new and proven solutions in all areas of education with Nancy Chung, experienced educator and influencer.

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It's Time for Science

Join host Tom Racine and discover current trends in science education and learn from educators with exciting approaches to teaching PK-12 science.

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It's Time for Science Host - Tom Racine

The Schoolyard Podcast Archive

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Ep.10: Let's Talk About Burnout and Staff Shortages

• Nov 08, 2023 • 33 min 43 sec

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In this episode, Nancy is joined by Dr. Richard Warren Jr. and discuss the teacher burnout and teacher shortages across the nation.

Ep.9: Sensory Spaces, Not Just for Students

• Oct 25, 2023 • 33 min 20 sec

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In this episode, our guests Cecilia Cruse, Sue Ann Highland join Nancy to discuss the benefits of sensory spaces for both students and teachers and how to implement them into the classroom.

Ep.8: Healthy Teachers, Healthy Students.

• Oct 11, 2023 • 32 min 46 sec

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Physical well-being is crucial for teachers and students alike, as it directly impacts their overall performance and productivity. When teachers are healthy, they can effectively engage with their students and create a positive learning environment. Similarly, when students are physically fit, they can concentrate better and actively participate in classroom activities.

Ep.7: Adaptive Art. Art for All Students.

• Sep 27, 2023 • 29 min 37 sec

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Adaptive art is a wonderful way to bring people together through creativity and self-expression. It focuses on making art accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their abilities or limitations. Tune in to listen to Nancy chat with Susan Loesl, an Adaptive Art Specialist and Art Therapist.

Ep.6: How to Spark Parent Involvement and Fuel Family Engagement

• Sep 13, 2023 • 30 min 36 sec

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In this episode, Nancy and our guest Kimberly Gorellik discuss the benefits of family engagement and how it can fuel student learning.

Ep.5: Surprise Benefits of Robotics in Schools & Where to Start

• Aug 30, 2023 • 37 min 40 sec

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Imagine a classroom where students become inventors, engineers, and dreamers, all in one! In this episode Nancy and Naomi Hartl discuss robotics and how it's empowering young minds to think critically, problem-solve, and collaborate like never before.

Ep.4: Setting the Tone for Back to School

• Aug 09, 2023 • 34 min 12 sec

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Nancy, and guests Loreal Hemenway and Stephanie Osmunson, the educators behind @happilyeverelementary, are passionate about setting a positive tone for back to school time. In this episode, they discuss setting the tone for back to school and the significance of creating an inviting and inclusive classroom environment.

Ep.3: Extended Learning for Every Student

• Aug 09, 2023 • 25 min 06 sec

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In this episode, join Nancy as she discusses extended learning and its benefits for students with Nicole Hill from School Specialty.

Ep.2: Esports is Like a Magnet!

• Aug 09, 2023 • 23 min 10 sec

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Join Nancy and her guest Claire LaBeaux the Chief Marketing Officer at NASEF (the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations) as they dive into the exciting world of esports and why it's a game-changer in schools!

Ep.1: Wellness & Social Emotional Learning Spaces

• Aug 09, 2023 • 23 min 16 sec

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Creating a classroom environment that promotes social-emotional wellness and a sense of belonging is crucial for the overall development and success of students. When students feel like they belong, they are more likely to engage in their learning, build positive relationships with their peers, and develop a strong sense of self-worth. In this episode, Nancy chats with Dr. Sue Ann Highland, who is the National Education Strategist for School Specialty about building social emotional learning spaces.

Introducing The Schoolyard Podcast with Nancy Chung

• Jul 24, 2023 • 03 min 14 sec

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Welcome to the Schoolyard Podcast! A show created by educators for educators. Join our host, Nancy Chung, as we discuss topics that focus on subjects which cover a wide mix of areas across the education landscape. Learn new tips & tricks, stories from peers, hot topics, and answers to questions we’re all wondering through conversations between Nancy and our featured guests.

It's Time for Science Podcast Archive

It's Time for Science Episode 6: Getting Families Involved in Science

• Oct 23, 2023 • 46 min 02 sec

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It’s Time for Science! This episode Tom talks with Leonor Rebosura from Newark Unified School District and Kimberly Astle from the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. We also remember FOSS co-director, Larry Malone.

It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 5: Taking Science Outdoors

• Sep 19, 2023 • 31 min 37 sec

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It’s Time for Science--outdoors! At the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) conference in Atlanta (March 2023), host Tom Racine interviewed two amazing educators about the importance of going outside when you teach.

It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 4: Comics in the Classroom

• Aug 22, 2023 • 1 hr 04 min 55 sec

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For this episode of It's Time for Science, we went to the world-renowned San Diego Comic Convention! We looked high and low for folks to talk with about the importance of science education and graphic novels, and it turns out it was super easy to find people on the same page!

It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 3: Back to School With Science

• Jul 24, 2023 • 54 min 16 sec

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In this episode of It’s Time For Science, we're talking about going back to school (yes, already!). Host Tom Racine talks with education leader Rosanna Ayers and is joined in a road table discussion with instructional coach Laruen Brown and curriculum developer Brian Campbell.

It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 2: Teaching Inspirations and Exploring the Galaxy

• Jun 27, 2023 • 1 hr 01 min 57 sec

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For this episode of It’s Time For Science, we're going to space! Host Tom Racine talks with science teacher Dave Curry, winner of the NMLSTA Paul DeHart Hurd Award and renowned astrophysicist Dr. Erika Hamden from the University of Arizona.

It’s Time for Science Podcast Episode 1: Educator Insights from NSTA

• May 22, 2023 • 40 min 23 sec

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Welcome to the very first episode of It’s Time for Science! We are creating a podcast aimed directly at the amazing and wonderful science teachers, educators and administrators out there, from Pre-K thru High School, who are engaging students and fostering curiosity about the world around them. We start off with a fantastic round table discussion with three educators from South Carolina: Yolanda Bennett, Ed Emmer, and Felipe AndreSilva.