KickUp | The Best of Us

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The Best of Us

Highlighting the stories, practices, and tactics of K-12 professional learning leaders working to enhance the educator experience.

Latest Episode

The Best of Us S3/E5: The Equity Trap, with Jennifer Ahn

In this episode of The Best of Us, Jennifer Ahn of Lead By Learning delves into collaborative inquiry and professional learning as a critical tool for improving educational outcomes in marginalized populations. The conversation focuses on equity-centered teacher evaluation, which assesses the impact of classroom practices on vulnerable students, and the four “equity traps” Ahn identifies as common organizational pitfalls.

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More from the Best of Us

The Best of Us S3/E5: The Equity Trap, with Jennifer Ahn

In this episode of The Best of Us, Jennifer Ahn of Lead By Learning delves into collaborative inquiry and professional learning as a critical tool for improving educational outcomes in marginalized populations. The conversation focuses on equity-centered teacher evaluation, which assesses the impact of classroom practices on vulnerable students, and the four “equity traps” Ahn identifies as common organizational pitfalls.

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National Teacher of the Year: Bottom-Up Leadership

Missy Testerman, the 2024 National Teacher of the Year, believes that the most effective school improvement comes from empowering educators at every level. In a recent conversation, she shared how district leaders can foster bottom-up leadership by creating structures that amplify teacher voices and drive meaningful change.

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The Best of Us S3/E4: Supporting Non-Teaching Educators, with Dr. Danica Brown

In this episode of The Best of Us, we’re proud to host researcher and educator Dr. Danica Brown to discuss the "hidden half" of educators—non-teaching staff like counselors, instructional coaches, and paraprofessionals. Dr. Brown shares insights from her research on college-going culture in New Orleans high schools, emphasizing the crucial role of collaboration among all school staff to support students' higher education pursuits.

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Leading with Equity: Practical Steps for Inclusive Leadership

Equity in education isn’t just about diversifying the workforce—it’s about creating environments where all educators can thrive. Sharif El-Mekki and Lisa Lachlan dive into actionable strategies for school leaders to address systemic barriers and support educators of color. Here’s how you can start making a meaningful impact in your district.

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Collaborative Instructional Rounds with Matt Griesinger

It’s inarguable that teachers are experts on what their students need. So how can school administrators leverage that expertise to make professional learning collaborative rather than top-down?

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Think Like a Data Scientist: Insights From Dr. Jim Knight

Data isn’t just numbers on a spreadsheet—it’s a tool to help educators ask better questions, spot meaningful patterns, and make smarter decisions. Dr. Jim Knight shares how thinking like a data scientist can empower schools to uncover insights and create lasting change. Here’s how you can apply his advice with three actionable tips.

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