Join Adam Peterson, Deedee Wills, and Dr. Lori Elliott as they discuss Dr. Elliott’s exciting transition from educational consultant and university adjunct to 6th grade classroom teacher.
Discover her hands-on strategies for building positive school culture, supporting new teachers, and adapting to the evolving needs of today’s students. Whether you’re a veteran teacher, new educator, or instructional coach, gain inspiration and practical tips to start your school year strong!
Perfect for educators looking for advice on classroom setup, fostering student engagement, and navigating career changes in education.
You can find Dr. Lori on her:
Blog: https://drlorielliott.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlorielliottedu/
In this episode, Deedee Wills and Adam Peterson dive into everything teachers need to know about making the most of summer break! Tune in as they swap stories about their own summer plans, from staycations to travel adventures—including cruise experiences and camping tips.
The conversation touches on practical self-care ideas like being intentional with your downtime, finding awe in nature, and balancing technology use for true relaxation.
Deedee also opens up about her personal journey toward heart health and shares strategies for healthy eating and movement during summer. Adam adds his insights on making small moments count, family traditions, and how teachers can prioritize their own well-being after a busy school year.
Whether you're looking for fresh ideas on affordable summer fun, making the most of family time, or building healthy habits, this episode is packed with relatable stories, resources, and inspiration just for educators.
Get ready for an insightful conversation with educator, author, and publisher Dave Burgess as he joins Adam Peterson and Deedee Wills on the Classroom Collaborative Podcast. This episode dives into Dave’s journey, his unique approach to professional development, and must-have book recommendations for teachers this summer.
Here's what you'll learn in this episode:
The origin story of "Teach Like a Pirate" and how Dave Burgess built his brand from the ground up
Dave’s advice for teachers wanting to share their ideas through speaking or publishing
Behind-the-scenes insights into the Dave Burgess Consulting publishing process
Standout book recommendations from the DBC Inc. lineup, including upcoming releases for K-3 educators
How Dave and his team foster authentic connections and community among educators and authors
Tune in for candid discussions, practical inspiration, and actionable summer reading picks for teachers!
You can find all of the books listed at:
You can find Dave:
Join us as we chat with Kaci Bolls—kindergarten teacher, accomplished children’s music artist, and author of "Dare to Be Me." Discover how she's blended her diverse talents and experiences in the classroom and beyond.• Kaci’s journey from country music songwriter to kindergarten teaching at 40• The story behind her children’s book "Dare to Be Me" and its empowering message• Blending music and teaching: how her classroom and albums intersect• Insights into self-publishing versus partnering with hybrid publishers• Fun classroom stories, author visits, and future plans in education and musicLearn more about Kaci:Kaci is a kindergarten teacher, Kindie music artist, children's book author, speaker, and proud mom to two birddog brothers. Prior to getting her masters and heading to the classroom, Kaci spent almost two decades on Music Row in Nashville, TN as a country singer and songwriter. Her lifelong dream was (and still is) to work on Sesame Street. If Ms. Frizzle and Mr. Rogers had a baby, it would be Kaci.
You can find Kaci:
Email: kaci@kacibolls.com
Blog: https://kacibolls.com
Dare To Be Me: https://kacibolls.com/book
IG https://www.instagram.com/kacibollskids/
TPT: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/birdie-b-creative
Keri Brown shares K–5 math strategies using manipulatives to boost student engagement, classroom management, and deep learning in early math education.
In this engaging episode of The Classroom Collaborative Podcast, I’m joined by southern teacher and educator Keri Brown from Enchanted Kindergarten to explore the powerful role of math manipulatives in K–5 classrooms. Whether you're teaching kindergarten or working as an interventionist, this episode is packed with practical teaching strategies to elevate math education through student exploration and hands-on learning.
Keri shares her favorite takeaways from the book Mastering Math Manipulatives by Sarah Delano Moore and Kimberly R. Rby, plus how she brings concrete learning and pictorial learning into her daily math instruction. You'll hear how she manages classroom expectations, keeps manipulatives organized, and increases student engagement—even after the challenges of pandemic-era teaching.
🔢 In this episode, you’ll discover:
How to introduce and use math manipulatives effectively from kindergarten through second grade
The connection between manipulatives and deep math understanding
Classroom-tested tips for classroom management and material organization
How Keri’s early childhood education background shapes her approach
The importance of professional development and attending educational conferences like the Educator Summit
If you're ready to make math more meaningful, this episode will leave you inspired with fresh, easy-to-implement ideas that make a big difference in how students learn.
More About Keri:
Keri is a K-2 interventionist, national speaker, author and curriculum creator from Alabama. With over 17 years in education, she previously taught both kindergarten and 1st grade. She’s all about mixing hands-on activities with research based ideas. Thriving to be a lifelong learner, she is always on the lookout for fresh ways to engage her students and help fellow educators. She shares her teaching ideas and what she’s learned along the way through her platform, Enchanted Kinder Garden.
Email:
keri@enchantedkindergarden.com
Blog:
Shannon Cunningham shares practical ways to use AI in education, including ChatGPT, STEAM tools, and classroom strategies to support teachers and student engagement.
In this exciting episode, Adam Peterson and Deedee Wills chat with Shannon Cunningham, an instructional coach from North Texas, to explore how AI in education is reshaping the way teachers approach primary education.
Shannon shares her real-world experiences using tools like ChatGPT and Magic School AI to support teacher collaboration, streamline classroom tasks, and improve student engagement. With a focus on educational innovation and empathy, she highlights the importance of combining tech tools with human insight for powerful teaching results.
🤖 In this episode, you’ll discover:
How to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Magic School AI for lesson planning, parental communication, and behavior intervention
Tips for customizing AI for personalized classroom needs
The role of educational technology in supporting teacher support and collaboration
Creative uses of AI for STEAM activities, social stories, and resource generation
How to maintain empathy in teaching while integrating new tech tools
Real classroom examples of how AI can solve everyday classroom challenges
Whether you’re new to AI in education or ready to level up your teaching experience, this episode is full of actionable strategies and educational insights you can start using right away.
About Shannon:
Shannon Cunningham is an award-winning educator, instructional coach, and presenter based in North Texas. With experience in classrooms across Arizona, Nebraska, and Texas, she brings a broad perspective to her work in education. Shannon holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Educational Technology. She is certified to teach PreK–6th grade and English as a Second Language. With a passion for teaching both students and teachers, Shannon’s goal is for classrooms to be a place where students can grow and thrive academically and emotionally.
Email:
PrimaryShannonigans@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PrimaryShannonigans
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrimaryShannonigans/
Tik Tok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@primaryshannonigans
TpT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Primary-Shannonigans
LeAnna Wolkis-Goldstein shares playful learning tips, classroom strategies, and relationship-building ideas for early childhood education in this inspiring episode.
In this episode, Deedee Wills and Adam Peterson welcome LeAnna Wolkis-Goldstein—the vibrant educator behind Wolkis Wonderland—to share her best tips for boosting student engagement, building a classroom family, and creating real connections in early childhood education.
LeAnna brings her signature energy and wisdom to this conversation, offering powerful classroom strategies that support playful learning, positive behavior, and strong teacher-student relationships. You’ll also hear how she uses her innovative "solution suitcase" to teach young learners how to solve problems with empathy and creativity.
🪄 What You’ll Learn:
How to foster deep student connections through relationship-building
Techniques that make learning exciting and meaningful for early learners
Practical ideas for behavior management that actually work
Tips on forming classroom partnerships that encourage collaboration
Why positivity in education is essential—and how LeAnna shares it through teacher support and community building
This episode is full of educational insights, uplifting stories, and proven tools that can help any teacher bring a little more magic into their classroom.
Learn more about our good friend, LeAnna!
LeAnna Wolkis Goldstein is an energetic and passionate Kindergarten Teacher from Arizona with over 26 years of teaching experience. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University, a Master’s Degree from NAU, an Early Childhood Endorsement and achieved the rigorous advanced credentials of National Board Certification.
While teaching in her award-winning classroom, The “Wolkis Wonderland,” she designs mini hands-on center based stations that are brought to life with novel realia.
As a Nationally Recognized Presenter, LeAnna empowers educators to create cooperative learning environments utilizing music, movement & manipulatives that foster 100% student engagement.
Watch how she promotes exploration and encourages her Classroom Family to develop their imagination by following along inside LeAnna’s magical experiences on:
Instagram: @wolkiswonderland
Twitter: @WolkisWonders
TikTok: @wolkiswonderland
Jake Daggett joins Adam Peterson and Deedee Wills to discuss literacy, Tier 1 instruction, phonics, and teaching strategies to boost engagement and student success
In this powerful episode, Jake Daggett joins Adam Peterson and Deedee Wills to unpack what effective literacy instruction really looks like in today’s classrooms. From foundational skills and phonics to student engagement and classroom environment, Jake shares actionable tips and heartfelt stories from his journey in education.
Jake talks about his move from Ohio to Wisconsin, his experience on the Kelly Clarkson Show, and the importance of supporting and coaching new teachers. He sheds light on what tier one instruction should include and why direct instruction is a game-changer for student success.
🎓 In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to strike the balance between engagement and motivation
Why phoneme awareness is essential for early reading
Smart classroom strategies for effective teaching
Ways to support and coach new teachers
How intentional planning and the right environment boost student success
What Jake believes every teacher needs to hear right now
Whether you're just starting your teaching journey or mentoring others, this episode is full of insight, encouragement, and real talk about the challenges and triumphs of teaching literacy today.
Learn more about Jake:
Jake is an Ohio native who began his teaching career in Milwaukee, WI in 2015. Having specialized in literacy instruction, Jake built a following on social media for his engaging and rhythmic phonics lessons and evidence-based structured literacy lessons, even landing him on The Kelly Clarkson Show in January 2024. Throughout his career, Jake has taught PreK, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades and has recently stepped into the role of Foundational Literacy Director for a choice school in Milwaukee, WI. In his role, Jake supports a team of elementary teachers in their implementation of the science of reading. In addition, Jake co-teaches an online Science of Reading Course for Elevate Your Classroom. In his spare time, Jake presents nationally for conferences such as Plain Talk, IL ASCD, Elevate Your Classroom, and he consults with schools across the nation that are seeking to amp up their engagement and rigor in elementary literacy instruction. He is thrilled to be a guest on today's podcast!
You can find Jake on:
Katie Blue shares transitional kindergarten tips, morning tubs, dollar store ideas, and her book Yanni the Yeti in this inspiring episode for teachers.
In this exciting episode, Adam Peterson and Deedee Wills welcome special guest Katie Blue, an inspiring educator and author, to talk about all things teaching, transitional kindergarten, and creating a classroom full of joy and learning.
Katie shares her go-to classroom strategies for boosting fine motor skills, encouraging problem-solving, and setting clear expectations through play-based learning and morning tubs. She also dives into how she uses dollar store ideas to create engaging, budget-friendly activities that make a big impact without breaking the bank.
🎒 What you’ll learn in this episode:
The power of transitional kindergarten and its unique role in early childhood education
How to use morning tubs to start the day with meaningful play and skill-building
Simple, low-cost ways to enhance your teaching using dollar store finds
Effective classroom management tips that help create consistency and calm
The importance of being adaptable in the ever-changing classroom environment
A sneak peek at Katie’s inspiring children’s book, Yanni the Yeti and the Power of Yet, and how it promotes a growth mindset
Katie also shares her experience speaking at educational conferences and how she continues to inspire teachers to bring creativity into the classroom every single day.
This episode is full of educational insights, creative ideas, and heartwarming moments that will leave you energized and ready to try something new!
You can find Katie:
You can find her book on Amazon:Yani the Yeti: and the Power of Yet by Katie Mense
In this special 100th episode, I’m joined by guest speaker Angela Griffith, a passionate reading specialist and ARI (Alabama Reading Initiative) Interventionist, to explore what structured literacy looks like in action—especially for students who struggle with reading.
Angela shares her journey with the Alabama Reading Initiative and how her role supports effective reading intervention, phonics instruction, and teaching strategies that align with the science of reading. She breaks down the importance of Tier 1 instruction, explains why multisensory instruction matters, and offers real classroom examples from her work with kindergarten learners and beyond.
We also unpack:
What it really means to support students with dyslexia
How Certified Academic Language Therapists play a role in intervention
The power of teaching mouth positions in phonics lessons
Why phonological awareness must come before decoding
Insights into letters training and the Daily Alphabet routine
Angela’s future goals for strengthening reading skills across the tiers of instruction
Whether you’re a classroom teacher, literacy coach, interventionist, or someone interested in teaching dyslexia and structured literacy, this episode is filled with educational insights you won’t want to miss.
✅ Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes packed with literacy tips, practical strategies, and expert guidance on building strong foundations in reading and education.
Learn more about Angela:
Angela is an educator, author, and lifelong learner behind The Daily Alphabet. I’m here to help you create positive learning experiences in your classroom by bringing you research-based strategies and resources.
Follow Angela on:
Deedee and Adam are back and excited to chat about all things education with amazing teachers and friends. Join them in their weekly discussions as they dive into trending topics, latest news, and whatever else comes up!
They outline plans to feature teachers, counselors, and administrators who make a difference.
A teacher tip about how to create a whisper phone with your hand that Deedee learned from a conference attendee.
Deedee and Adam chat about teachers that had an impact on them.
They share heartfelt stories about the teachers who left a lasting impact on our lives. Join us as we delve into the inspiring world of education, reminiscing about the dedicated individuals who shaped our early years.
We'll explore the profound influence these teachers had on our journeys, discussing the teaching methods that made learning engaging and unforgettable. From innovative activities to memorable classroom moments, we'll paint a vivid picture of the educators who made a difference.
Get ready for a conversation filled with anecdotes, laughter, and a genuine appreciation for those unsung heroes in education. Tune in to discover how the passion of these teachers ignited a spark within us, shaping the way we view learning and the impact it can have on young minds.
This podcast episode is not just a trip down memory lane, but a celebration of the incredible educators who dedicate their lives to shaping the future. Join Deedee and Adam as we pay tribute to those special teachers who go above and beyond to make a lasting impact on the lives of their students.
Deedee and Adam sit down to chat with Shannon Olsen, second grade teacher turned best selling children's book author!
Shannon is the author behind the children's books:
Join us as we discuss her inspiration for her books and how she took her first book from idea to publication!
Find more about Shannon and book an author visit on her teaching blog:
Deedee and Adam chat about how to provide small group instruction in the science of reading world!
Many of us were familiar with how to form small groups when we taught guided reading through leveled texts. Now that we know leveled texts actually hinder student reading progression, should our small group instruction look different?
Deedee will share her ideas on forming skills groups and how to structure your small group differentiated instruction that aligns with a structured literacy approach.
Deedee and Adam get together to chat about what they've been up to, plans for the upcoming year, and goals they've set for themselves. A few reminders for teachers to take care of themselves are also included!
Find more from Deedee & Adam:
In today's episode of the Classroom Collaborative Podcast, Deedee and Adam sit down with the creative genius that is Jerry Kolber!
Jerry is the co-founder and CEO of edutainment company Atomic Entertainment Group. He is also an Emmy-nominated co-creator and showrunner of Nat Geo's biggest hit series Brain Games and Netflix's Brainchild with Pharrell Williams.
Beginning his career within the production auditing department of New York Undercover, Jerry dove in headfirst when it came to working in the entertainment field with networks as varied as Disney, Bravo, HBO, National Geographic, Animal Planet, and MTV. Overall, Jerry has written, produced, supervised, and run over 400 episodes of various premium television and streaming content pieces.
Today, Jerry is focused on education - specifically changing the game to create a system that helps children learn without stamping them all out of the same mold along the way.
He is the voice behind Who Smarted? a podcast that’s aimed at children aged 6 to 10. Each episode teaches kids something new through humor, stories, and even interactive games. Within just one year, they’ve hit 3 million downloads for the show.
You can find Jerry:
Find ways to help hook for kindergarten, first and second-grade students with the content found on Who Smarted? podcast and it is free!
You can find the show notes and transcripts at:
Let's Talk about Classroom Behavior! We have heard from countless kindergarten teachers and first-grade teachers about how classroom behaviors are more prevalent in schools. In this episode of the Classroom Collaborative Podcast, Deedee is joined by special guest Brandie Rosen.
Deedee and Brandie discuss a few practical ideas to include in your classroom to help students become more independent and self regulating.
Brandie has spent the past 25 years as a special education teacher, administrator, and teacher coach. She has mentored 1000s of teachers, built district-wide programs, and trained teachers both nationally and internationally in creating classrooms that work for all students. She has worked with students with and without disabilities from preschool through high school. She provides training in classroom management, behavior, and all things special education. She is passionate about creating professional development for teachers that is practical, meaningful, and most importantly, makes their lives easier. She has also created online courses and memberships in classroom management, special education, and behavior management.
You can learn more about Brandie on her website:
https://teachinguntangled.com/
You can find other episodes:
https://mrswillskindergarten.com/podcast/
Elementary teachers in summer! How are you taking a break and how can you fill your teacher bucket? Adam and Deedee talk about some professional learning opportunities for kindergarten and first-grade teachers. They offer suggestions on books to read and conferences that will get them excited for next year!
Learn more about The Educator Summit by going to:
Catch up on all of the past podcast notes by heading to:
You can find the show notes and transcript by clicking:
Deedee and Adam chat about Adam's kindness movement that has spread globally. His #betheyellow message challenges people of all ages to create brightness wherever they go!
How can you include these kindness ideas in your own classroom? Listen as Adam explains what Yellow Day looks like in his own kindergarten classroom.
Deedee and Adam continue their discussion on the Science of Reading. Specifically, they discuss blending and segmenting best practices. Deedee was asked by a kindergarten teacher if teachers should include alphabet cards that include the key sound picture (mnemonics) on the card to practice blending and segmenting.
Listen in to learn about how to make your instruction more efficient and more effective.
Learn more and download the free file mentioned by clicking:
Learn more about the Science of Reading in these articles:
You can find the show notes and transcript by clicking:
https://mrswillskindergarten.com/podcast_episodes/phonics-blending-best-practices/
