Partial to Podcasts: Better Late Than Never!

For what seems like the longest time, I've always heard other educators talk about podcasts. Not quick to leap into a trend that I was confident I wouldn't use, I always acknowledged their presence and moved on. Much like shopping for a new handbag that I know isn't in the budget at the time, I look at it through the window, pause, notice it, and then continue walking (most likely with a tear running down my cheek!) 

Podcasts were always there, and I knew they were, so why didn't I start using them? Frankly I do not have that answer. I almost wish there was a multiple choice test for that question so I could make it look like I have even a small clue. Fast forward to this summer, guess what?... I'm hooked! What could be better than free advice from expert teachers, specialists, authors, families, etc.? 

I decided to take a few recommendations from friends, webinars, and websites/organizations I have memberships with. I find that I'm gravitating toward podcasts that discuss reading topics, special education, and school-home connections the most. What's better is that I'm actually excited to listen to one everyday, and I look forward to it. Imagine, the person who denied their existence is now listening to multiples a day! What I think has made podcasts so enjoyable lately is the notion they don't require a screen! It's a liberating feeling to be able to listen while I sit outside, go for walks, or clean, and not have to view the information. This also strengthens my auditory skills, which I know isn't my preferred learning style. 
Podcasts have forced me out of my comfort zone by intaking information via a different platform. 

Today's podcast was from educators2educators (also a website!) about sensory processing disorder. Although I have experience with SPD and have studied it, this was a great refresher for teachers and families. The guest on this podcast offered perspectives as a parent, which I appreciated. I highly suggest it and others from e2e. To be honest it's become a newfound favorite website and podcast all around. 

I'm somewhat embarrassed to share that it took until late March when we were home and completing remote instruction to recognize how much I was missing. The education industry was evolving and developing, meanwhile I was in my classroom with only a small, short time-stamped window to explore it. As negative or negligent as that might sound, it's true. Sure I read articles, books, researched, but I feel I was removed from part of the digital world that was in front of me the whole time and could've improved my way of life as a teacher and growing professional. 

My new goal is to continue to use podcasts as a new "on-the-go" PD platform, while I continue my quest for finding more. With each new day I find something new to explore, resource to save, and voice to listen to that will make me into a better teacher for my students. 

Final thought- it's important to always look at the positive side to any situation. Although the past few months have been rough for everyone, utilizing every opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills has kept me busy, but also opened up many doors to opportunities that might not have otherwise been there, or feasible to try. Keep your eye on the prize, stay focused, and always grow. 

Here is a list of my favorite podcasts: 
- Read, Write, Think, and Listen with Renee, 
- Teaching Today, 
-Edumagic, A Podcast for Preservice Teachers
- Teach Me, Teacher, a podcast for educators 
- Aplify, The Science of Reading
- Stenhouse Teacher's Corner
- Educators 2 Educators 
-ASCD Radio
- The Reading Teacher's Lounge 
- Literacy 2.0 

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