Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators
Dive into the world of education and straight talk with Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez! As a former high school teacher and now an Instructional Specialist at St. Lucie Public Schools, Dr. Benner-Ordoñez is dedicated to creating dynamic and engaging professional learning systems via different modalities to place educators in the driving seat of their learning journey. Her passion lies in offering busy educators a variety of choices that incorporate best practices in andragogy and well-being, all aimed at boosting self-efficacy. Join us for insightful discussions on pedagogy, teaching and learning practices, behavior management, special topics, and much more! Gain access to educational experts who share practical ideas and resources to enhance your teaching practice, and stay updated with the latest research and trends in education. Tune in during your commute or lunch break and discover just how much fun learning can be!
Episodes
28 episodes
3.9: From InnovatED to Innovated - Teacher Takeaways
What happens when teachers lead the learning—and actually make it stick?In this episode, we tap into the energy of InnovateEd, our first teacher-led conference, and turn those moments into practical moves you can try right away. From st...
3.8: Different by Design - Reframing Professional Learning
“Sit and get” professional development is easy to schedule and hard to defend. What busy educators actually need is learning that respects their time, connects to their students, and leaves them with something they can use tomorrow.We’r...
3.7: Purposeful Practice: Small Groups for Big Learning in the K-5 ELA Classroom
The biggest shifts in learning often happen in the smallest moments—at a back table, over a shared text, with a clear purpose and timely feedback. We sit down with Samantha Lamora, K–5 ELA curriculum specialist, to unpack how intentional small ...
3.6: Sensemaking in Science: Shifting Student Thinking
Join me this month as I chat with Zulay Garcia, Science Curriculum Specialist in St. Lucie Public Schools, to unlock the power of sensemaking in your science classroom! In this new episode, we unpack simple, high‑impact ways teachers can help s...
3.5: The ELL Edge: Tips and Tools for Supporting English Language Learners
Giving Teachers the ELL Edge (Special Winter Edition)This episode is all about practical, high‑impact strategies teachers can use right away to support English Language Learners. We’re diving into tools that make instruction more ...
3.4: From Numbers to Knowledge: Student Data Empowerment
Join me as I chat with the inspiring Dr. Trevor Sparacio — Social Studies teacher, department chair, and lifelong learner in St. Lucie Public Schools. In this episode, we explore how teachers can move beyond test scores and spreadsheets to help...
3.3: From Inspiration to Certification - Teachers Leading the CTE Journey
Join the conversation with Dr. LeiNitia Robinson and Terrence Platt, dynamic Career Coaches from St. Lucie Public Schools, as they explore how educators are transforming Career and Technical Education (CTE) from a classroom concept into a power...
3.2: Vision First - Building the Classroom You Believe In”
In this episode, Behavior Specialist Caroline Redding brings practical wisdom and real-world strategies to help teachers turn their classroom vision into reality. Whether it's building a community of respect, setting clear expectations, or simp...
3.1: Level-Up; Power Moves in Your Professional Learning
🎙️ Season Premiere: Level Up Your Professional LearningWelcome to a brand-new season of the podcast where we dive into power moves that elevate your professional learning journey! This season kicks off with a dynamic convers...
2.10: Math Matters
Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez in the latest episode of the Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators. In this episode of Math Matters, we dive into the power of mathematics in education with former Curriculum Specialist and now Assi...
2.9: Stronger Together: Principals Helping Teachers Thrive
Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez in the latest episode of the Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators. In this episode, I sit down with a dynamic principal, Ebony Jarrett to explore powerful ways school leaders can uplift, inspire, and suppor...
2.8: 'Best-Fit' Pedagogy
Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez in the latest episode of the Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators. Special thanks to Renae in Australia for writing in to suggest the area of focus for this episode. Listen to a compelling conversation with...
2.7: Night of the Stars: Celebrating New SLPS Teachers
Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez in the latest episode of StraightChalk podcast for busy educators where she gets to chat with Rylan Jay, 3rd grade teacher & recently awarded Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year in St. Lucie Public Sch...
2.6: Learning Expeditions: Professional Learning for Teachers By Teachers
Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez in the latest episode of Straight Chalk podcast for busy educators where she gets to chat with Anna Babcock & Renee Hawkins, K-5th grade teachers in St. Lucie Public Schools about Learning Expeditions
2.5: Educator Resilience & Wellness Over the Holidays & Beyond
Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez in the latest episode of StraightChalk: Podcast for Busy Educators where she gets to chat with Mark Dionisio, District Wellness Manager in St. Lucie Public Schools about building resilience and empowering wellnes...
2.4: Gratitude in Action: Community Partnerships That Inspire
Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez inthe latest episode of StraightChalk podcast for busy educators where she gets to chat with Zulay Garcia, District Curriculum Specialist and explore, “Gratitude in action and highlighting community partnerships ...
2.3: Bringing Out the Digital Citizen in Your Teaching!
Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez, in the latest episode of the Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators where she gets to chat with Laurie Boyer, Technology Specialist in St. Lucie Public Schools. Laurie supports both instructional and non-ins...
2.2: Creating the Behaviors You Seek - Managing Classroom Routines
Welcome to the StraightChalk: Podcast for Busy Educators! I'm Belinda Benner-Ordoñez an instructional specialist in SLPS. In this month's episode, we are focusing on setting the stage for a high-functioning classroom through successful behavior...
2.1: Springing into Success: Organizing the Classroom Adventure
Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez in the first episode of Season 2 of "Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators," where she engages in an insightful conversation with Julie Moore, an Instructional Specialist in St. Lucie Public Schools. A forme...
1.8: 'Dive-In' to a Personalized Professional Learning Plan
Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez, in the latest episode of the Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators where she gets to chat with Angelia Thomas, Instructional Specialist in St. Lucie Public Schools. Angelia supports instructional staff in g...
1.7: 'Tech-Up' Summer Learning for Teachers
Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez in the latest episode of the Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators where she gets to chat with Julia Hilburn, technology Instructional Specialist in St. Lucie Public Schools. Julia supports both ...
1.6: New Teacher Diaries - What New Teachers Want to Know!
Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez, in the latest episode of the Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators where she gets to continue the conversation with new St. Lucie Public Schools teacher Sandra Tucker. Don’t miss out on the final episode in...
1.5: New Teacher Diaries - Growing Mindsets for Teachers and Students
Join Belinda Benner-Ordoñez, in the latest episode of the Straight Chalk: Podcast for Busy Educators where she gets to continue the conversation with new St. Lucie Public Schools teacher Sandra Tucker. Don’t miss out on the latest in the “New T...
1.4: New Teacher Diaries - Tackling Behavior Management Like a Boss!
Join Dr. Belinda Benner-Ordoñez, Instructional Specialist in St. Lucie Public Schools as she continues the conversation with new 3rd-grade teacher Sandra Tucker in the latest episode of the 'New Teacher Diaries' special series. Listen to ...
1.3: New Teacher Diaries - Time Management for Success
Join Belinda Benner-Ordoñez, instructional specialist in St. Lucie Public Schools as she continues the conversation with new 3rd-grade teacher Sandra Tucker in the latest episode of the 'New Teacher Diaries' special series. Listen to Sand...