Best Educational Podcasts for Teachers: Learning on the Go

Finding engaging professional development can be a challenge for busy teachers.

The best teacher podcasts promise efficient learning on the go, with insights to energize your practice.

This article explores the rise of educational podcasts, evaluating the most effective ones across teaching strategies, grade levels, ed tech, and more to help you discover the perfect podcast to reinvigorate your classroom.

Introduction to Educational Podcasts

As educators face increasing demands on their time, podcasts enable learning on the go while commuting, exercising, cooking, and more. This article provides an overview of the top educational podcasts for teachers in 2023 that can aid in professional development.

The Rise of Podcasts for Teachers in 2023

Educational podcasts have seen rapid growth in recent years as a convenient medium for teacher professional development. As per a recent survey, over 50% of teachers reported listening to podcasts regularly, using the commute to school as an opportunity to learn new teaching strategies, classroom management tips, and insights on education technology. With portable media players and smartphones now ubiquitous, podcasts make use of small pockets of time to enhance lesson plans.

Maximizing Time: The Convenience of Learning on the Go

Amidst their busy schedules, teachers often struggle to find time for conventional professional development. Podcasts handily overcome this barrier by allowing for multitasking. Teachers can listen while meal prepping, exercising, driving etc. By choosing teacher-focused podcasts like Cult of Pedagogy or The Google Teacher Tribe, educators integrate small learning opportunities into their daily routine. This convenience and flexibility is fueling the rising popularity of podcasts.

Podcasts as a Tool for Diverse Educational Needs

The podcast medium offers niche content for educators of all backgrounds. Whether teaching middle schoolers or special needs students, relevant podcasts exist. Resources like Middle School Teacher Podcast and Special Education Podcast cater to specific educational contexts. This personalization addresses the diverse needs of today's classrooms using the on-demand nature of podcasts.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Teacher Podcasts

When choosing a podcast, key aspects to evaluate include the host's credentials, teaching strategies discussed, production quality, relevance to one's student demographic and teaching style, actionable tips shared, and listener reviews. Aim for podcasts that provide research-backed, classroom-tested advice from veteran teachers and education professionals.

Integrating Podcast Insights into Classroom Practice

To effectively apply ideas from podcasts, teachers should take notes on strategies that align with current lesson plans, reflect on how those insights can enhance their teaching, and implement suggested techniques after contextualizing them for their classroom. Podcasts can meaningfully augment activities like teacher performance evaluations, parent-teacher meetings, student assessments, and designing inclusive classrooms.

What is podcast in teaching and learning?

Podcasts are audio or video files that teachers can use to enhance student learning. Here are some key ways that podcasts support teaching and learning:

Introduce new topics or themes: Teachers can have students listen to podcast episodes before starting a new unit. This allows students to gain background knowledge and primes them for deeper learning.
Provide real-world connections: Podcasts bring in outside experts and perspectives. This helps students see how course concepts apply in the real world.
Encourage reflection and discussion: Teachers can have students listen to a podcast and then hold a discussion. This allows students to reflect critically on the ideas presented.
Offer flexibility: Students can listen to podcasts at their own pace, rewinding to catch key points. This makes podcasts adaptable for different learning styles.
Inspire creativity: The conversational style of many podcasts sparks students' imagination and engagement more than textbooks.

In summary, podcasts give teachers another flexible, engaging resource to enrich learning. From introducing topics to spurring creativity, podcasts help teachers take students deeper into course subjects.

How effective are podcasts for learning?

Podcasts can be highly effective for learning when used appropriately. Here are some key benefits:

Engagement: Podcasts provide an alternative medium to traditional textbooks or lectures. This can help engage different learning styles and keep students focused.
Retention: Allowing students to listen while reading along has been shown to improve information retention compared to just listening alone.
Accessibility: Students can pause, rewind and replay podcasts to grasp concepts at their own pace. This facilitates comprehension.
Portability: Unlike a classroom lecture, podcasts enable learning on the go. Students can listen during commutes or while exercising.
Variety: The podcast format lends itself well to interviewing experts across diverse fields. This exposes students to different perspectives.

To maximize the impact, teachers should provide podcast transcripts, links to supplemental reading material, and activities or assessments tied to the content. With the right structure, podcasts give students control over their learning while expanding their knowledge.

How can you use podcasts as part of your classroom teaching?

Here are some ideas for using podcasts in the classroom:

Compare and contrast podcast episodes on the same topic

Have students listen to two different podcast episodes that discuss the same concept or event. Ask them to compare and contrast how each podcast approaches the topic by answering questions like:

What key ideas or themes emerge in each podcast?
What evidence or examples does each podcast use to support its perspective?
What conclusions or interpretations does each podcast make?
What are the main similarities and differences between the podcasts' coverage?

This activity helps build critical thinking and media literacy skills.

Use a podcast episode as a supplementary resource

Assign a relevant podcast episode for students to listen to in conjunction with an article or book they are reading on the same topic. Ask them to identify how the podcast expands on ideas in the reading or provides additional context, examples, or viewpoints.

Facilitate small group discussion

Before listening to a podcast episode, have students prepare 2-3 discussion questions in small groups related to the episode topic and key concepts they expect it to cover. After listening, have them share and compare their questions and reflections.

This approach activates prior knowledge, gives students ownership over key learning goals, and facilitates rich peer-to-peer dialogue.

What are the cons of podcasts in education?

Although educational podcasts offer many benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:

Time commitment

Producing high-quality podcast episodes requires a significant time investment in planning, recording, editing, publishing, and promotion. This can be difficult for already overworked teachers.

Discoverability

With so many podcasts available, it can be challenging for specific education podcasts to stand out and reach their target teacher audience.

Accessibility

Some students may have difficulties accessing podcast content depending on their individual learning needs. Closed captioning and transcripts help increase accessibility.

Protection of intellectual property

It can be tricky to protect proprietary teaching methods, lesson plans, and other intellectual property shared on publicly available podcasts.

In summary, while podcasts enable flexible learning opportunities, they do involve effort and strategy to maximize their impact. Educators should weigh the pros and cons to determine if podcasting aligns with their teaching goals.

Podcasts Focused on Teaching Strategies

These podcasts offer a wealth of knowledge on effective teaching strategies and classroom management techniques for teachers at all levels. Educators can explore new ideas while staying up-to-date on the latest trends in K-12 and higher education.

Cult of Pedagogy: A Deep Dive into Teaching Methods

Hosted by veteran teacher Jennifer Gonzalez, Cult of Pedagogy analyzes innovative teaching strategies through interviews with educators, researchers, and other experts. Recent episodes have covered topics like the concept of neural overload, culturally responsive teaching practices, and using online simulations in the classroom. Teachers of all backgrounds can discover new perspectives and reflect on strengthening their own methods.

Some key takeaways:

Leveraging technology thoughtfully to create interactive learning experiences
Fostering student engagement through empathy, relationship-building, and motivation techniques
Balancing direct instruction with student-centered activities

Teaching Strategies Podcast: The Creative Classroom

The Creative Classroom podcast focuses specifically on nurturing creativity in K-12 classrooms. Hosted by educator and Edutopia blogger Beth Holland, episodes spotlight creative habits like tinkering, making, and design thinking. Teachers can glean ideas like setting up classroom makerspaces, facilitating genius hour passion projects, integrating coding and robotics, and more.

Notable episodes cover topics like:

Sparking wonder and curiosity to drive exploration
Teaching computational thinking across disciplines
Assessing creativity and 21st century skills

Truth for Teachers: Empowering Educator Insights

Veteran educator Angela Watson offers straight talk about the less glamorous side of teaching at Truth for Teachers. Her candid takes on managing workload stress, maintaining work-life balance, handling classroom challenges, and more aim to validate teachers' frustrations while providing coping strategies.

Watson also shares encouraging perspectives like:

Letting go of perfectionism and self-imposed pressures
Setting boundaries with administrators and parents
Building confidence and self-efficacy as an educator

Chalk Full of Life: Strategies for Teacher Well-Being

At Chalk Full of Life podcaster Staci Jackson focuses specifically on teacher self-care and wellness issues that impact classroom effectiveness. Episodes offer wellness tips intermixed with teaching strategy talk, highlighting the link between the two.

Hack Learning: Solutions for Classroom Challenges

Hack Learning offers bite-sized podcast episodes tackling specific problems teachers face. Hosted by teacher, author, and EdSurge columnist Dr. Monica Burns, the show provides seemingly simple "hacks" to issues like technology integration, differentiation, classroom management, and more. Teachers can quickly gain applicable tips to transform their practice.

Notable hacks have solved for problems like:

Streamlining parent communication
Gathering quick formative assessment data
Building classroom community remotely

With research-backed insights on the latest educational trends and practices, these podcasts give teachers simple ways to make overworked days more inspiring. Educators can discover new techniques while gaining motivation and affirmation.

Podcasts for Grade-Specific Teaching

In addition to pedagogy-focused shows, podcasts catering to specific grade levels provide targeted insights and strategies. Teachers can find content tailored to the unique needs and challenges of their student demographic.

Google Teacher Tribe for K-12 Education Podcasts

The Google Teacher Tribe podcast focuses specifically on Google tools for K-12 classrooms. Hosted by certified Google trainers, topics range from using Google Classroom to integrating other G Suite apps like Google Docs, Slides, Drive and more into lessons. As Google tools become more prevalent in schools, this is a key resource for teachers looking to leverage them effectively.

Podcasts for Middle School Teachers: Engaging Young Adolescents

Resources specifically targeted at engaging and educating middle schoolers are invaluable given the unique developmental stage. Podcasts like Middle School Made Me Do It highlight real middle school teacher experiences and practical advice. Discussion centers around best practices in areas like classroom management, student motivation, and working with parents during these transitional years.

Art Ed Radio: Visual Arts Teaching Techniques

For art teachers, Art Ed Radio interviews innovative visual arts educators across disciplines like drawing, painting, sculpture, photography and more. The podcast covers a wide range of topics relevant to teaching art today - from lesson planning to selecting quality art supplies on a budget. Art teachers can gain new teaching techniques and inspiration.

10-Minute Teacher Podcast: Quick Tips for Busy Educators

With short 10-minute episodes, this podcast provides busy teachers with quick tips and actionable strategies across areas like lesson planning, classroom management, education technology, and self-care. Bite-sized episodes tackle one key topic at a time, making it easy for teachers to quickly gain practical advice during hectic schedules.

Special Education Insights with The Creative Classroom

For special education teachers, The Creative Classroom podcast provides useful perspectives on creating engaging, adaptable lesson plans for diverse learners. Episodes offer specific special education teaching techniques from experienced teachers and therapists. Discussion aims to address the complexities of special education environments with innovation and compassion.

Leveraging Educational Technology through Podcasts

Teachers today have an incredible array of technology tools available to enhance learning, from online learning platforms to virtual reality simulations. However, with so many options, it can be overwhelming trying to determine what tools are most effective and how best to integrate them into the classroom. This is where podcasts can play a vital role.

Google Teacher Podcast: Innovations in Classroom Technology

The Google Teacher Podcast provides teachers with insights directly from Google's own education experts and teachers in the field on how to utilize G Suite tools like Google Classroom, Google Docs, Google Slides, and more. Recent episodes have explored topics like creating blended learning models combining virtual and in-person instruction, using Google Forms for formative assessments and data collection, and leveraging the accessibility features in Google tools to support diverse learning needs.

EdTech Tools and Trends: Hack Learning's Insights

Hosted by educator Mark Barnes, Hack Learning analyzes new advancements in education technology, from AI-driven personalized learning programs to virtual reality field trips. Mark talks with EdTech startup founders, learning scientists, and fellow teachers to cut through the hype and understand which new tools show real promise for improving student outcomes. Recent episodes have looked at the effectiveness of learning management platforms like Canvas and Blackboard as well as the potential for using augmented reality in subjects like anatomy and architecture.

Virtual Learning Environment Best Practices

With many schools embracing blended or fully online options, podcasts like The Virtual Learning Show provide invaluable tips for designing online curriculum, fostering student collaboration virtually, and tracking student progress across digital platforms. The show covers everything from configuring learning management systems like Moodle or Schoology to using Zoom breakout rooms for small group discussions. Educators share lessons learned from virtual teaching and explore emerging best practices.

Digital Classrooms and Learning Management Systems

Understanding how to operate and manage new classroom technology can be an obstacle for teachers expected to suddenly teach online or implement unfamiliar EdTech tools. Podcasts like EdTech Made Easier break down the key features and best practices for utilizing learning management systems, gradebooks, attendance trackers, and other critical platforms that make digital classrooms run smoothly. Fellow teachers explain common troubleshooting issues and how to configure these complex systems to enable more effective virtual instruction.

Teacher Performance Evaluation in the Digital Age

As virtual education becomes more predominant, how can administrators accurately evaluate teacher performance online? The Distance Learning Podcast tackles this challenge, providing research and models for methods like virtual teacher observations, student surveys, self-evaluations, and measuring student growth in the digital space. They offer a blueprint for fair teacher accountability and development that acknowledges the unique environment of distance learning classrooms.

By distilling key technology insights and best practices from leading experts in the field, podcasts enable busy educators to stay up-to-date on the latest EdTech tools and trends critical for success in today's increasingly digital education landscape. Podcasts make this professional learning possible anytime, anywhere.

Podcasts for Professional Development and Teacher Support

Teachers today face increasing demands on their time and energy. From lesson planning and grading to managing classroom behavior and meeting standardized testing goals, the responsibilities can feel endless. This constant pressure makes it challenging for educators to prioritize their own growth and self-care. However, ongoing professional development and community support are vital for avoiding burnout and maintaining an inspiring career. Podcasts offer teachers an easily accessible way to stay engaged in their field while multitasking daily tasks. The episodes below provide actionable ideas for enhancing teaching practices, as well as encouragement to keep pursuing noble educational goals.

Teachers Off Duty Podcast: Work-Life Balance for Educators

Maintaining work-life balance poses an immense challenge for teachers devoted to their students and profession. The Teachers Off Duty Podcast supports educators in setting boundaries and finding fulfillment outside the classroom. Hosts discuss strategies like leaving work at work, pursuing hobbies, and taking time to recharge. Teachers share perspectives on topics like battling isolation, overcoming perfectionism, and showing compassion to oneself. The conversational tone makes teachers feel understood rather than preached at regarding self-care. Instead of proposing quick fixes, the show validates the complex pressures teachers face while empowering them to prioritize personal health. Even small steps like establishing morning routines or saying “no” more often can profoundly impact teacher wellness over time.

Cult of Pedagogy: Mastering Professional Development

For educators seeking to level up their teaching game, the Cult of Pedagogy podcast delivers. Hosted by former teacher and instructional coach Jennifer Gonzalez, episodes showcase best practices for maximizing student engagement and learning. Gonzalez models vulnerability, confessing trials and errors on her own teaching journey. The show breaks down pedagogical research into applicable takeaways fitting various teaching contexts. Topics span project-based learning, grading systems, lesson planning frameworks, and utilizing education technology. Teachers gain confidence to experiment with new methods while avoiding common pitfalls. Cult of Pedagogy condenses volumes worth of professional wisdom into compact, energizing episodes teachers can listen to anywhere, from the carpool lane to washing dishes.

Spark Creativity: Fostering Innovation in Teaching

Teaching today requires more than presenting established content to students - it demands sparking students’ innate creativity and curiosity. However, over-structured curricula and standardized testing often constrain teachers’ abilities to facilitate engaging hands-on learning. The Spark Creativity podcast shows teachers how to foster innovation within restrictive systems. Episodes showcase classroom creativity in action through teacher interviews. Topics range from genius hour passion projects to design thinking challenges to creative writing units. Teachers discuss letting students drive learning while providing necessary scaffolds for success. The podcast reminds teachers of their power to turn classrooms into laboratories for nurturing young imaginations. Teachers leave with tips for weaving more creativity into lessons without sacrificing academic rigor.

Truth for Teachers: Supportive Conversations for Educators

The teaching life journey contains highs and lows, wins and losses. Finding empathetic listeners helps teachers glean wisdom from both mountaintops and valleys. The Truth for Teachers podcast offers that caring support system. Host Angela Watson coaches teachers through challenges like handling difficult parents, making peace with imperfect lessons, overcoming imposter syndrome, and battling isolation. Her honest vulnerability and insight provide cathartic relief for educators feeling alone. Comments sections foster a community where teachers share tried-and-true survival tips. Episodes conclude with concise takeaways for applying advice immediately. Teachers walk away feeling refreshed, understood, and re-energized to champion student growth. The podcast's thoughtful perspective fuels teachers to keep loving their work despite hard days.

Chalk Full of Life: Nurturing Teacher Enthusiasm

New teachers enter the field brimming with inspiration to change students’ lives. But as years pass, bureaucratic burdens, lesson planning fatigue, and problem behaviors slowly drain educators’ passion. The Chalk Full of Life podcast works to reignite teachers’ intrinsic motivation and purpose. Host Adam Welcome draws on his background as a teacher and principal to discuss overcoming disenchantment. His contagiously upbeat energy motivates teachers to see opportunities instead of obstacles. Episodes feature special guest teachers sharing why they remain excited about teaching after decades in the classroom. Their stories inspire teachers to rediscover the joys of breakthrough moments with students. Other episodes provide tips for maintaining resilience, creativity, and work-life balance to prevent burnout. Teachers walk away remembering the deeper meaning behind their calling to teach.

Conclusion: The Impact of Educational Podcasts on Teaching

Educational podcasts provide a convenient way for teachers to engage in professional development on the go. As teachers face heavy demands on their time, podcasts enable learning while commuting, exercising, cooking dinner, or during other pockets of free time throughout the busy week.

This article presented a diverse selection of top-rated podcasts on education across grade levels, subjects, and topics. From sparking creativity in elementary classrooms to exploring issues in the education system, these shows offer knowledge, insights, and inspiration. Teachers can discover new teaching strategies, lesson ideas, EdTech tools, and stories from fellow educators.

To integrate podcast listening into your routine, download episodes onto your phone or tablet to listen offline. Scan episode descriptions to identify relevant topics and shows that align to your needs and interests. While commuting or doing chores, let an episode play in the background. Jot down notes on key takeaways and ideas to try in your own classroom.

Podcasts empower educators to continuously build their skills over time through small, manageable learning sessions. With the many demands teachers face, podcasts deliver professional development in an easily digestible way that fits within your lifestyle. The collective knowledge gained from regular listening can profoundly impact your teaching practice.