Invitations to Listen Podcast
91 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratingsThis educational podcast features classroom conversations on making learning more rigorous, engaging, and blended, which means a combination of online and face-to-face experiences.
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Episodes
Banned Books
May 24, 2022 09:00 - 33 minutes - 77.6 MBListen in on this conversation with Krissy Ronan, librarian at Marshall High School, and high school senior Aria as they share the importance of libraries offering windows, mirrors, and sliding doors into multiple perspectives and identities. "All reading is good reading" as Krissy shares. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you know when our next episode is released and leave a review because your feedback counts! Twitter: Summer Johnson - @scholarcation Nishi Langhorne - @MrsLanghorne ...
Street Data
April 12, 2022 09:00 - 35 minutes - 81.3 MBJoin Scherrie Dalton and Marissa Petty, two learning leaders from Key MS, as they share their journey through joining our FCPSOnward Learning Leader Cohort, reading the book Street Data, and implementing equity transformation cycles at their school. They share the power of centering student voices and making small shifts that personalize and humanize learning. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you know when our next episode is released and leave a review because your feedback counts! Tw...
Queer Pedagogy
March 29, 2022 09:00 - 38 minutes - 89.2 MBListen in on this conversation with Mollie Safran, Social Studies teacher at Fairfax High, as she defines and discusses queer pedagogy. We talk about how power is used to maintain privilege, how queer can be used as a verb to challenge normative understanding of what it means to be, and how queer pedagogy allows students opportunities to examine and disrupt existing power structures. She shares practical strategies teacher can immediately implement in their classrooms to make them more equita...
Student Technology Leaders
March 15, 2022 09:00 - 19 minutes - 44.3 MBJoin us for the third part in this three-part series on student tech leaders in schools! Leslie Leisey and Nishi speak with Jessie Davis, student at Chantilly HS, as she shares about her evolution from a tech aide at Poplar Tree ES to a facilitator of professional learning for teachers at Rocky Run MS. She now leads her peers by supporting them with their technology challenges and advocating for the use of technology to enhance learning and engagement. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so y...
Tech Padawans at Rocky Run MS
March 01, 2022 10:00 - 38 minutes - 87.4 MBJoin us for the second part in our three-part series on student tech leaders in schools! Summer and Nishi speak with Pam Galietta, School-Based Technology Specialist at Rocky Run Middle School, Amy Goodloe, Principal at Rocky Run, and two students who are also members of the Tech Padawans, a student technology leadership group that supports the school in leveraging technology for meaningful learning experience for all students. This inspiring conversation speaks to the power of elevating stud...
The Paw Tech Squad
February 15, 2022 10:00 - 33 minutes - 75.9 MBJoin Summer and Nishi as we interview the lead teachers and a couple of students from the Paw Tech Squad at Poplar Elementary School in Fairfax County. The Paw Tech Squad has grown over the years from 12 students to 50, all of whom support the school with instructional technology needs. This squad has evolved from one that was primarily a "fix-it" crew to one that facilitates professional learning and builds capacity for learning across the school. Listen in for tips on creating your own stud...
Digital for Good
November 23, 2021 10:00 - 34 minutes - 79.8 MBListen in on this powerful conversation with Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE, where he shares how we can leverage technology for good in the classroom. He talks about the power of technology in amplifying stories, connecting to student passions and interests, and fostering problem-solving and creativity in the classroom. This is a conversation you don't want to miss! Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you know when our next episode is released and leave a review because your feedback counts!...
The Human Library Project
November 09, 2021 10:00 - 34 minutes - 78.4 MBJoin Jedervine Fils and Tammarrah Addison as they share a new initiative at Edison High School, the Human Library Project. This powerful project amplifies the stories of students, often ones who have been marginalized, and creates a catalog of the experiences of students, our "national treasures" as Jedervine and Tammarrah refer to them. Listen in for ideas that can be easily transferred to your school! Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you know when our next episode is released and leav...
Empowering Indigenous Families
October 26, 2021 09:00 - 44 minutes - 101 MBJoin this conversation with Manny Gomez Portillo as he shares his journey leading to completing his dissertation on empowering indigenous families. Manny's research fills a gap and highlights the importance of decolonizing our thinking and recognizing our positionality. Manny shares the importance of celebrating the funds of knowledge of all our students, especially those who have been marginalized. Manny will defend his dissertation in early November 2021. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes...
Maintaining Balance While Inspiring Change
September 21, 2021 09:00 - 27 minutes - 63.8 MBJoin Summer Johnson and Nishi Langhorne in Season 2 of Invitations to Listen. This season we are amplifying stories of learning, and today's story features Margaret Sisler, instructional technology coach at Westfield High School in Fairfax County Public Schools. Margaret shares the importance of setting boundaries, recognizing time as a statement of our values, and the importance of balancing all of our identities and not overemphasizing any one. This is a conversation you don't want to miss!...
The Power of Podcasting
September 07, 2021 09:00 - 37 minutes - 84.9 MBJoin Summer Johnson and Nishi Langhorne in Season 2 of Invitations to Listen. This season we are amplifying stories of learning, and today's story features Nathan Poumade, instructional technology coach at Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, VA. Nathan shares his journey with podcasting, from a listener to a collaborator to a creator to a leader. Nathan has inspired students, teachers, and administrators to embrace podcasting for a variety of purposes, including sharing learning, building c...
Podcast Club
July 24, 2021 20:51 - 42 minutes - 34.1 MBJoin Dr. Lindsey Fisher and Nishi Langhorne during a gathering of our SBTS Podcast Club. Learn how you might create your own Podcast Club with your school or staff!
Lindsay Trout
May 25, 2021 09:00 - 38 minutes - 32.7 MBJoin us as we engage in a powerful conversation with Lindsay Trout, proud principal and former student of Terraset Elementary School! Lindsay shares so many lessons learned, including the value of servant leadership, the gifts of diversity, and the importance of unconditional love. One of her mottos in life is: We see you, we hear you, you belong here. This is one interview you don't want to miss! Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you know when our next episode is released and leave a re...
Marly Jerome-Featherson
May 11, 2021 09:00 - 51 minutes - 41.4 MBThis episode features Marly Jerome-Featherson, Social Worker at McLean High School. Marly shares the story of immigrating from Haiti to Massachusetts at the age of 11, her experiences transitioning to a new language and culture, and her journey to find her true calling of helping others. You will hear how, with her parents’ loving support, she didn’t let anyone tell her she was any less than others, and how Marly fights to remove the stigma of mental illness every day in her work. Subscrib...
Roger Malone
April 27, 2021 09:00 - 56 minutes - 45.8 MBJoin us as we listen to Roger Malone's story, current bus driver for FCPS and former forestry advocate and executive. Roger shares the importance of finding your passion, the power of words, and the infinite capacity to grow and achieve if we just believe in ourselves. He shares lessons learned from almost three decades of parenting and various career moves throughout his life. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you know when our next episode is released and leave a review because your fe...
Tu Phillips
April 13, 2021 09:00 - 49 minutes - 38 MBJoin Nishi Langhorne & Kathleen Otal as we interview Tu Phillips, Educational Specialist in the Office of Equity & Cultural Responsiveness. Tu shares how she learned to “live with ambiguity” after being airlifted out of Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. She details her life as a refugee with her five brothers and sisters, and how she gained the ability to start again when she began a new life in third grade in Northern Virginia. Tu shares the power of courage and resilience thr...
Dr. Rejane Martinez
March 30, 2021 09:00 - 45 minutes - 35.4 MBTRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains sensitive content including stories of sexual abuse. In this episode, Dr. Rejane Martinez, School-Based Technology Specialist at Fort Belvoir Upper Elementary School, shares her incredibly powerful story. Growing up in Salt Lake City, Rejane faced unimaginable challenges in her childhood and managed to rise above with the personal mantra, "I want more." Rejane shares her many experiences throughout her life, including owning a scrapbooking business whil...
Alanna Dushok
March 16, 2021 09:00 - 38 minutes - 30.6 MBJoin Nishi Langhorne & Kathleen Otal, co-hosts of Invitations to Listen, as we interview Alanna Dushok, School-Based Technology Specialist at Westlawn Elementary. Alanna shares how she learned to be her authentic self when facing her greatest challenge in life. She details how she has learned to live into her values, lean into the people around her, and take one step at a time. Alanna embraces the vulnerability of having to admit, “I don’t know what I’m doing”, and she inspires us with her...
Jacob Kohut
March 02, 2021 10:00 - 48 minutes - 39.3 MBJoin Nishi Langhorne and Kathleen Otal as we interview Dr. Jacob Kohut, Fairfax County Band Teacher, Member of the National Guard, Musician, Composer and the list goes on! Jacob shares his varied story, including childhood experiences in Michigan, periods of love and loss, and his ultimate resilience over the adversities of his life. We learn from his story that grief and loss lead to opportunity, and that it is more important than ever to amplify the good news of others. Subscribe to the po...
Libya Doman
February 16, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 25.6 MBJoin Nishi Langhorne and Kathleen Otal, co-hosts of Invitations to Listen, as we interview Lynbrook Elementary Art School Teacher and 2020 Virginia Art Educator of the Year Libya Doman. Libya shares her experience moving from a North Philadelphia neighborhood to the suburbs in New Jersey as a child, and how she decided to combine her love of art and her love of children to become an elementary school art teacher. She details how she grounds the teaching of art to the teaching of life for he...
Evie Ifantides
February 02, 2021 10:00 - 44 minutes - 36.1 MBJoin Nishi Langhorne & Kathleen Otal as we listen to Evie Ifantides' inspiring story. Evie is an ESOL Technology Specialist for Fairfax County Public Schools. Evie shares her challenging journey, starting with her time in Constantinople as a child, moving to Athens for some time and then immigrating to the United States after 7th grade. Evie shares powerful stories and insights like "it takes a village to raise a child," "you have to be kind and smart in this life," and "you give what you get...
Nishi Langhorne
January 19, 2021 09:59 - 37 minutes - 34.3 MBJoin Kathleen Otal as she interviews her Invitations to Listen co-host, Nishi Langhorne, Educational Specialist for Technology Integration for FCPS. Nishi shares her story of growing up in Pennsylvania as the child of parents who immigrated from India. Hear how Nishi’s teachers taught her the power of literature and writing, how she shared that power with her students as an English teacher, and how her mother’s selflessness and determination inspire her every day. Nishi believes strongly in...
Manny Gomez Portillo
January 05, 2021 10:00 - 52 minutes - 42.8 MBJoin Nishi Langhorne & Kathleen Otal, co-hosts of Invitations to Listen, as we interview ESOL resource teacher for FCPS, Manny Gomez Portillo. Manny shares his inspirational story of growing up in El Salvador and immigrating to the United States at a young age. He details his journey through FCPS public schools both as a student and teacher, to China to teach, and now to obtain his doctorate in Educational Leadership. Manny embraces change as a tool for personal and professional development a...
AnnWong
December 08, 2020 10:00 - 47 minutes - 38.8 MBThis episode features Ann Wong, Associate Principal at Robinson Secondary School. Ann shares the story of her parents who immigrated from China, her experience winning the Milken Educator Award, and her journey from FCPS Biology Teacher to Associate Principal. You will hear how Ann’s fifth grade teacher gave her a “second chance” that changed her life, how her teachers inspired her to focus on her strengths, and how her former teachers continue to inspire her every day. Subscribe to the po...
Seth LeBlanc
November 24, 2020 10:00 - 32 minutes - 27.5 MBJoin Nishi Langhorne and Kathleen Otal as we interview Seth LeBlanc, English and Creative Writing teacher at McLean HS. He shares the experiences of coming out, meeting his now husband, and discovering his love of teaching English. Some nuggets of wisdom from our conversation: time heals most wounds, literature is a tool for personal growth, celebrate small successes, and in the words of Seth's grandmother, "love always wins." Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you know when our next epis...
Lynn Jimmo
November 10, 2020 10:00 - 30 minutes - 23.2 MBJoin Nishi Langhorne and Kathleen Otal, co-hosts of the podcast Invitations to Listen, as we interview Lynn Jimmo, fourth grade teacher at Union Mill Elementary. Lynn shares her experiences growing up in a multicultural military family, how being authentic and honest has helped her as a teacher, and how she balanced two jobs while raising her daughters and getting her Masters degree. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you know when our next episode is released and leave a review because ...
Sarah Eqab
October 27, 2020 09:00 - 38 minutes - 31.9 MBJoin Nishi Langhorne & Kathleen Otal as we engage in a conversation with Sarah Eqab, ESOL specialist and educator in FCPS. Sarah shares her story as a bicultural FCPS graduate. She emphasizes the importance of embracing identity, following passion, and giving people the benefit of the doubt. Follow Sarah on Twitter @EqabEsol Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you know when our next episode is released and leave a review because your feedback counts! Podcast website: http://invitationst...
George Hewan
October 13, 2020 09:00 - 52 minutes - 43.6 MBJoin Nishi Langhorne and Kathleen Otal, co-hosts of the podcast Invitations to Listen, as we interview Dr. George Hewan, Assistant Principal at Woodson High School. In this interview, George shares his experiences immigrating from Jamaica to the United States as a child, how athletics helped to shape his ability to develop a strong work ethic, and the importance of using “Island Time” while pursuing one’s goals.
Summer Johnson and Kelley Brown
September 29, 2020 09:00 - 54 minutes - 44.9 MBJoin Nishi Langhorne and Kathleen Otal, co-hosts of the new podcast Invitations to Listen, as we have an engaging and inspiring conversation with Summer Johnson and Kelley Brown, married FCPS educators who share powerful insights they've gained from their life experiences. We discuss, among many other topics, the importance of following your passion, cultivating curiosity, and recognizing the genius of every child. Follow Summer Johnson @scholarcation Follow Kelley Brown @kelleyjbrown1 Sub...
Dr. Beverly Parker-Lewis
September 15, 2020 09:00 - 41 minutes - 38.6 MBJoin Kathleen Otal and Nishi Langhorne, co-hosts of the new podcast Invitations to Listen, as we interview our first guest, Dr. Beverly Parker-Lewis, a school psychologist at McLean High School. In this interview, Dr. Parker-Lewis shares powerful details, stories, and lessons from her life. She shares her experiences in segregated schools, her educational journey which culminated in her PhD, and many valuable lessons she's learned throughout her 71 years of life. Subscribe to the podcast on ...
Reflecting on Distance Learning
June 02, 2020 09:00 - 37 minutes - 35 MBI speak with Jenn Choumil and Jamie Heath, two McLean High School teachers, and they share their reflections on distance learning. We use Project Zero's 4 C's Visible Thinking Routine to frame our discussion and examine connections, challenges, concepts, and changes. Follow Jenn Choumil on Twitter @jennchoumil and Jamie Heath @JamieHeath42. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you know when my next episode is released and leave a review because your feedback counts! Podcast website: htt...
The Importance of Gratitude
May 26, 2020 09:00 - 21 minutes - 23.1 MBI speak with Beth Werfel, our school psychologist, about the importance of gratitude. We discuss the mental, physical, and emotional benefits of gratitude, the ways to practice gratitude in our lives, and the impact of positive psychology. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you know when my next episode is released and leave a review because your feedback counts! Podcast website: http://invitationstolearn.com/ Twitter: @MrsLanghorne Email: [email protected]
Stories from Parents of Seniors
May 19, 2020 09:00 - 1 hour - 55.1 MBLaura Venos, Career Center Specialist, facilitates a discussion among parents of seniors. Beth Werfel, Karen Gentry, Glenn Lebowitz and I talk about our experiences with our seniors and give advice to families with current juniors and other underclassmen. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you know when my next episode is released and leave a review because your feedback counts! Podcast website: http://invitationstolearn.com/ Twitter: @MrsLanghorne Email: [email protected]
The Importance of Self-Care
May 12, 2020 09:00 - 31 minutes - 30.2 MBI speak with Beth Werfel, School Psychologist, and teachers Steve Walker and Annie Billingsley about the importance of self-care. We discuss the acronym GRAPES which is a collection of self-care strategies. G: Gentle with self R: Relaxation A: Accomplishments P: Pleasure E: Exercise S: Social Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you know when my next episode is released and leave a review because your feedback counts! Podcast website: http://invitationstolearn.com/ Twitter: @MrsLanghorne E...
REPOST: Making Thinking Visible with Pear Deck
May 05, 2020 09:00 - 17 minutes - 18.3 MBREPOST: McLean teachers Erin Kreeger and Lizzy McManus share their experiences with using Pear Deck in the classroom. They discuss how to use this app to make student thinking and learning visible. Subscribe to me on iTunes so you know when my next episode is released and leave a review so I can continue to grow! Podcast website: http://invitationstolearn.com/ Twitter: @MrsLanghorne Email: [email protected]
How to Raise an Adult Part Two
April 28, 2020 09:00 - 54 minutes - 44.6 MBIf you are a parent, then you don't want to miss this episode! The author of the book How to Raise an Adult, Julie Lythcott-Haims, joins us as we talk about strategies for raising children to be independent, well-adjusted, and happy. Julie shares so many nuggets of wisdom in this discussion, including the acronym ARC, which is a focus in parenting on agency, resilience, and compassion. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you know when my next episode is released and leave a review because ...
What to Read and Listen to Right Now
April 21, 2020 09:00 - 34 minutes - 36.1 MBThis episode is a fun one! I speak with my goddaughter, Amanda Rekenthaler, about books we have recently read and podcasts we are listening to while we are quarantined at home. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you know when my next episode is released and leave a review because your feedback counts! Podcast website: http://invitationstolearn.com/ Twitter: @MrsLanghorne Email: [email protected] Books Shared: The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty The Couple Next Door by Sh...
How to Raise an Adult Part 1
April 14, 2020 09:00 - 58 minutes - 61.1 MBThis is a conversation you don't want to miss if you have kids or students! I speak with Kathleen Otal, high school counselor, Beth Werfel, high school psychologist, Paul Stansbery, high school Director of Student Services, and Sue Ellen Beggs, former PTSA president. We are all parents of adolescents and, in this interview, we discuss Julie Lythcott-Haims' seminal book How to Raise an Adult. We share stories and strategies about how to best prepare our kids and students for life beyond us. St...
Choose Your Own Adventure With HyperDocs
April 07, 2020 09:00 - 18 minutes - 21 MBREPOST: Kieran Brady, a Social Studies department chair, shares her strategies for designing and implementing HyperDocs to support student voice and choice in the classroom. Subscribe to me on iTunes so you know when my next episode is released and leave a review because your feedback counts! Podcast website: http://invitationstolearn.com/ Twitter: @MrsLanghorne Email: [email protected] Follow Kieran Brady on Twitter @kieranmbrady
Considerations for Distance Learning
March 31, 2020 09:00 - 20 minutes - 22.2 MBI speak with Dr. Crissie Ricketts, distance learning guru and McLean math teacher, about considerations for teachers and students as they transition to distance learning.
Strategies for Staying Sane
March 24, 2020 09:00 - 15 minutes - 16.9 MBDr. Lindsey Fisher and I share strategies for staying sane during this challenging time where people are staying home to stay safe. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you know when my next episode is released and leave a review because your feedback counts! Podcast website: http://invitationstolearn.com/ Twitter: @MrsLanghorne Email: [email protected]
REPOST: Shadow a Student
March 17, 2020 09:00 - 13 minutes - 15 MBI speak with Rachel Baxter, a Social Studies teacher, about her experience shadowing a student for the day, her main takeaways, and how she will apply what she learned in her own classroom. Subscribe to me on iTunes so you know when my next episode is released and leave a review so I can continue to grow! Podcast website: http://invitationstolearn.com/ Twitter: @MrsLanghorne Email: [email protected] You can follow Mrs. Baxter on Twitter @MrsBaxterMHS
Selecting the Best-Fit College
March 10, 2020 09:00 - 11 minutes - 12 MBLaura Venos, Career Center Specialist, shares her strategies for seniors on selecting the best-fit college. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you know when my next episode is released and leave a review because your feedback counts! Podcast website: http://invitationstolearn.com/ Twitter: @MrsLanghorne Email: [email protected]
Building Literacy Skills
March 03, 2020 10:00 - 27 minutes - 30.3 MBNatasha Saunders, literacy specialist in Fairfax County, shares strategies for building literacy skills with students. eLearnit courses (available in MyPDE for Fairfax County employees): Disciplinary Literacy: The engagement model Introduction to Disciplinary Literacy Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you know when my next episode is released and leave a review because your feedback counts! Follow Natasha on Twitter @nrsaunders96 Podcast website: http://invitationstolearn.com/ Twitt...
REPOST: The Deeper Learning Conference
February 25, 2020 10:00 - 31 minutes - 32.4 MBThis is a repost of Episode 16: Join Rae Perry, Courtney Klein, Rachel Baxter and me as we share highlights from the 2019 Deeper Learning Conference in San Diego. We discuss what deeper learning is, why it's important, and our key takeaways from this life-changing conference. Subscribe to me on iTunes so you know when my next episode is released and leave a review because your feedback counts! Podcast website: http://invitationstolearn.com/ Twitter: @MrsLanghorne Email: invitationstolearn...
Supporting Sophomore Students
February 18, 2020 10:00 - 33 minutes - 36 MBKathleen Otal, school counselor at McLean High School, talks about course planning, emotional well-being, and strategies for success for sophomore students. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you know when my next episode is released and leave a review because your feedback counts! Podcast website: http://invitationstolearn.com/ Twitter: @MrsLanghorne Email: [email protected] Follow Kathleen Otal on Twitter @KathleenOtal
Utilizing Visible Thinking Routines
February 11, 2020 10:00 - 15 minutes - 16.6 MBJenn Choumil discusses what visible thinking routines are, how she utilizes them in her classroom, and why teachers should incorporate them into their instruction. Fairfax County teachers can view this resource on visible thinking routines: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vLmBijaqVq4Ygj4rsvkywinVYJtHmesaJnvpbEc1M20/edit?usp=sharing Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you know when my next episode is released and leave a review because your feedback counts! Podcast website: http://in...
Journals in the Art Classroom
February 04, 2020 10:00 - 15 minutes - 16.2 MBI speak with Swapna Elias and Jen Singh about visual journals in the art classroom. We discuss the structure, purpose, and benefits of journals in all subjects. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you know when my next episode is released and leave a review because your feedback counts! Podcast website: http://invitationstolearn.com/ Twitter: @MrsLanghorne Email: [email protected]
Setting Your Intention for 2020
January 28, 2020 10:00 - 24 minutes - 25.9 MBBeth Werfel, school psychologist, shares her strategies for setting an intention for the year and taking actionable steps to meet our goals for 2020. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you know when my next episode is released and leave a review because your feedback counts! Podcast website: http://invitationstolearn.com/ Twitter: @MrsLanghorne Email: [email protected] Show Notes: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
Building Portrait of a Graduate Skills in Students
January 21, 2020 10:00 - 19 minutes - 20.7 MBI speak with Christie Day, a learning innovation specialist in Fairfax County, about the importance of building "Portrait of a Graduate" skills in students. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes so you know when my next episode is released and leave a review because your feedback counts! Podcast website: http://invitationstolearn.com/ Twitter: @MrsLanghorne Email: [email protected] Follow Christie Day on Twitter @christiepday Show Notes: For Fairfax County students and staff: For...