Teacher PD Days Explained: What Happens Behind the Scenes | Ep. 021

Teacher PD Days Explained: What Happens Behind the Scenes | Ep. 021

What actually happens on professional development days? And is all that time — and money — really worth it? 👀 In this episode of Chalk It Out, we’re breaking down professional learning vs. professional development and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what teachers do when students aren’t in the building. With nearly $18 billion spent annually on teacher PD in the U.S., we ask the big questions: ➡️ Is this transforming teaching practice? ➡️ Is it helping students? ➡️ And what does a PD day actually look like for educators? We walk through school-based PD days, district-led release days, and everything in between — from collaboration and data analysis to curriculum alignment and those small moments teachers actually look forward to (yes, including breakfast ☕🥐). This episode is especially helpful for parents and caregivers who wonder why school is closed and what teachers are working on during these days. Plus, we share real-life examples of PD that actually worked and why meaningful professional learning matters for equity, alignment, and student achievement. ✨ Part 2 is coming next, where we’ll dive into what makes professional learning truly successful — so stay tuned! We’d love to hear from you: 👉 What professional development has been helpful? 👉 What’s felt like a waste of time? #ChalkItOutPodcast #TeacherPD #ProfessionalLearning #TeacherLife #EducationPodcast #BehindTheScenesTeaching #TeacherDevelopment #EducatorLife #SchoolCulture #StudentAchievement #EducationMatters #TeachersSupportingTeachers —————————————— Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalkitout_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chalkitout Facebook: Chalk It Out Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chalkitout

Homeschooling Unpacked: Why Families Are Choosing Flexibility, Hybrid Learning & Home Education

In this final episode of our Three H’s series, we dive into the ever-growing world of homeschooling and why more families are choosing flexible, home-based education. Micayla joins us to share her real-life journey into homeschooling—how it began out of necessity, how her “why” has evolved, and what homeschooling actually looks like day to day with three young kids. We talk candidly about the reasons families choose homeschooling, from concerns about school environments and academic needs to family time, faith, and supporting children with unique learning needs. This episode also explores modern homeschool options, including hybrid programs, free state options, curriculum choices, socialization, co-ops, and how families can balance structure with flexibility. We discuss the challenges, the unexpected wins, and the moments that confirm you’re doing the right thing—even on the hard days. Whether you’re currently homeschooling, considering it, or simply curious about alternative education paths, this conversation offers honest insight, encouragement, and perspective from educators and parents who’ve lived it. 🎧 Tune in to hear: - Why homeschooling is on the rise - How hybrid and options programs work - What a homeschool schedule really looks like - Curriculum overwhelm and trial-and-error - The importance of family buy-in and community support ✨ You don’t have to have all the answers—just your “why.” Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this episode resonates with you! ---------------------- #Homeschooling #HomeschoolLife #ThreeHs #HybridLearning #AlternativeEducation #ParentLedLearning #StayAtHomeMom #EducationChoices #FamilyFirst #HomeschoolCommunity #ModernEducation #FlexibleLearning #ParentingPodcast #ChalkItOutPodcast

Inside High School: The Truth About Teaching, Coaching, and Growing Up | Ep. 024

In Part Two of our Three H’s series, we’re back with Micayla to dive deep into High School—what it’s really like behind the scenes for teachers and students alike. 🎒📚 On this episode of **Chalk It Out**, Micayla shares her seven years of experience teaching high school in Denver’s charter school system. We talk about long school days, block scheduling, lesson planning from scratch, data days, ACT prep, and what it’s like to be held to rigorous instructional standards. From live coaching feedback during lessons to team-oriented professional learning communities, this conversation gives a real look at how high schools operate beyond the bell schedule. We also get into the human side of teaching high school: -Freshmen behavior and hilarious classroom moments -Teacher evaluations, coaching, and performance plans -Germs, Clorox wipes, and why lice stories live rent-free forever -The role of coaches, electives, and extracurriculars in student motivation -How ownership, leadership, and choice shape the high school experience To wrap it up, Micayla offers thoughtful advice for students entering high school and their families, emphasizing intentionality, trusted adults, social media awareness, and setting habits that shape life beyond graduation. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or student, this episode offers honest insight, relatable stories, and practical wisdom about navigating high school—inside and outside the classroom. 🎧 **Don’t forget to check out Part One on Higher Education and subscribe for more real talk about life in education.** —————————————— #ChalkItOut #TeacherPodcast #HighSchoolLife #HighSchoolTeaching #EducationPodcast #TeacherStories #CharterSchools #TeacherLife #HighSchoolStudents #EducationTalk #TeachingTruth #TeachersOfYouTube #K12Education #StudentSuccess #EducationCommunity —————————————— Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalkitout_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chalkitout Facebook: Chalk It Out Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chalkitout

Higher Education & Finding Your Path | Ep. 023

In this episode, Malorie kicks off a brand-new season focused on real educational journeys by sitting down with Micayla for an honest and thoughtful conversation about the first of the Three H’s: Higher Education. From elementary school memories to high school turning points and college decisions, Malorie and Micayla reflect on how their early educational experiences shaped who they are today. As proud CSU Rams 🐏, they share their paths to college, what influenced their career choices, and the pressures students face when deciding whether higher education is the “right” next step. This episode dives into: - Private vs. public school experiences - First-generation college journeys - The role of teachers who leave a lasting impact - College enrollment trends and student debt concerns - Trade schools, community college, and alternative pathways - Career pivots, panic decisions, and finding your passion - Inclusive higher education programs for students with disabilities Whether you’re a student, parent, educator, or someone navigating a career change, this episode offers honest insights, encouragement, and perspective on what higher education can (and doesn’t have to) look like. ✨ This is just the beginning of the Three H’s series—stay tuned as we continue the conversation into High School Teaching and Homeschooling. —————————————— Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalkitout_podcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/chalkitout_podcast/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chalkitout [https://www.tiktok.com/@chalkitout] Facebook: Chalk It Out Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chalkitout [https://www.youtube.com/@Chalkitout]

The Secret to Successful Professional Learning Day (What Teachers Really Need) | Ep. 022

What actually makes a professional learning day successful for teachers? In this episode of Chalk It Out, we break down how to plan engaging, effective, and meaningful professional development that teachers actually value—not just endure. We dive into the key components of a strong professional learning day, including how to establish a shared vision, backwards plan across the school year, and align sessions so they feel purposeful instead of disconnected. You’ll hear practical strategies for planning standards-focused professional learning that is driven by data, grounded in research-based practices, and tailored to the real needs of your staff. We also explore how to design PLD with adult learning profiles in mind—supporting social, analytical, structural, and conceptual learners—so everyone in the room feels supported and engaged. From agendas and protocols to collaboration, planning time, accountability, and celebration, this episode walks you through a step-by-step framework you can apply immediately. Whether you’re a school leader, instructional coach, or teacher facilitating professional learning, this episode offers actionable tips to make PLD more impactful, engaging, and respectful of teachers’ time (yes, snacks included!). 🎧 Topics covered: -How to plan effective professional learning days -Backwards planning and PLD alignment across the school year -Using data and standards to guide PLD focus -Designing PLD for different adult learning styles -Engagement strategies, protocols, and accountability -Making professional learning meaningful (and enjoyable!) ✨ If you’re ready to transform professional development at your school, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a fellow educator! —————————————— #TeacherPLD #EducationLeadership #InstructionalCoaching #TeacherLife #SchoolLeadership #ProfessionalLearning #TeacherSupport #EducatorLife #TeacherGrowth #EffectivePD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chalkitout_podcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/chalkitout_podcast/] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chalkitout [https://www.tiktok.com/@chalkitout] Facebook: Chalk It Out Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chalkitout [https://www.youtube.com/@Chalkitout]