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Teaching with Valor Podcast: A Veteran Teachers Perspective

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Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we're going to dig deep into a topic that's vital for every middle school teacher—differentiated instruction.
If you've ever stood in front of a classroom of middle schoolers, you know just how diverse this age group can be. You’ve got students who are racing ahead, those who are still finding their footing, and everyone in between. Meeting the needs of such a varied group of learners can feel like an uphill battle, but differentiated instruction can make it not just possible but highly effective.

Whether you’re new to teaching or a seasoned educator, understanding how to differentiate instruction can transform your classroom into a place where all students feel challenged, supported, and ready to learn. And don’t worry, we’ll also wrap up with a special bonus segment answering a parent question on how differentiation impacts their child’s learning experience.
Show Notes
For more information on this topic check out the following resources below:

• Tomlinson, Carol Ann – "The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All Learners": A foundational book on differentiated instruction by an expert in the field.
• Edutopia – Differentiated Instruction Resources: www.edutopia.org - Articles, videos, and strategies for differentiating instruction.
• CAST – Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Guidelines: www.cast.org - Resources on creating inclusive learning environments.
• Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE): www.amle.org - Professional development resources and strategies for teaching middle schoolers.
• Common Sense Education – Digital Tools for Differentiation: www.commonsense.org/education - Reviews of tech tools to support differentiated learning.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!