Episodes

  • 2.10: Math Matters
    May 29 2025

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    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 Curriculum Specialist Courtney Ballantine. From fostering a growth mindset to making math more engaging and meaningful, Courtney shares practical strategies for helping students connect math to real-life experiences. Whether you're an educator looking for fresh insights or a math enthusiast eager to explore new teaching approaches, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in and discover how to inspire curiosity, confidence, and deep understanding in the math classroom!

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    21 mins
  • 2.9: Stronger Together: Principals Helping Teachers Thrive
    May 8 2025

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    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 support teachers in building self-efficacy and flourishing in their profession. From fostering a culture of confidence to creating meaningful growth opportunities, we dive into what it truly takes to help educators feel valued, capable, and energized in their work.

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    25 mins
  • 2.8: 'Best-Fit' Pedagogy
    Mar 28 2025

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    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 Didi Johnson, Coordinator of Quality Instruction at St. Lucie Public Schools. Didi oversees the Talent Development Department, ensuring that all staff receive timely and relevant professional learning opportunities. Tune in to this insightful episode to hear Didi discuss the concept of 'best fit' pedagogy, which aims to optimize outcomes for both teachers and students.

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    30 mins
  • 2.7: Night of the Stars: Celebrating New SLPS Teachers
    Mar 4 2025

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    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 Schools. Listen to Rylan share about her experiences as a new teacher & what it was like to be nominated and chosen as the winner at this year's prestigious Night of the Stars gala evening honoring educators annually!

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    23 mins
  • 2.6: Learning Expeditions: Professional Learning for Teachers By Teachers
    Feb 1 2025

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    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 a brand new differentiated professional learning initiative that promotes authentic and embedded learning experiences for teachers.

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    27 mins
  • 2.5: Educator Resilience & Wellness Over the Holidays & Beyond
    Dec 29 2024

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    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 wellness for personal and professional success over the holidays & beyond. Mark's background and expertise in change management provide a unique insight into how educators can make small changes by incorporating some easy techniques that will produce big results when it comes to building resilience.

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    31 mins
  • 2.4: Gratitude in Action: Community Partnerships That Inspire
    Nov 29 2024

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    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 that inspire.” Being November here in the United States, we come together to give thanks and enjoy time over Thanksgiving with family and friends and so there is no better time to showcase how that is happening right here in SLPS where we get to bring learning to life for students through the generous commitments and support of our local business partners.

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    18 mins
  • 2.3: Bringing Out the Digital Citizen in Your Teaching!
    Nov 1 2024

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    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-instructional staff to expand their technology knowledge and skills. Don’t miss out on the latest podcast episode to hear Laurie share how we can better understand digital citizenship and how to purposefully plan for technology in the classroom to support a positive classroom environment where students can thrive as they learn to meet adaptive challenges.

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    27 mins