The Last Best Learning

Ep. 17 - Combatting Conflict with John Sommers-Flannagan, Director of the Phyllis J. Washington Center for the Advancement of Positive Education (CAPE) and the Happiness Project

Join us in this episode wherein John Sommers-Flanagan, Director of the Phyllis J. Washington Center for the Advancement of Positive Education (CAPE) and the Happiness Project shares his expertise on how to deal with conflict.
Objectives:
Recognize approaches to stymie conflict with colleagues; be proactive instead of reactive
Realize actionable strategies to de-escalate conflict
Ascertain tactics that can be applied to preempt or soften our personal responses to conflict
Slide deck with resources 
How to receive Professional Development Units (PDUs) as a school group is shared in the Collaborative Listener Guide 
If you wish to provide feedback on this episode or suggest topics for future episodes, please respond to this brief survey 

Ep. 12 - Social Emotional Learning: More than just Chair Yoga, with special guests Rhiannon Beery and Darin Hannum from Bainville Public Schools

In this episode, Superintendent Darin Hannum and Principal Rhiannon Beery of Bainville Public Schools join us to share their schools experience and success implementing Social Emotional Learning across K-12. 

Ep. 16 - IEFA: You Don’t Have to Be an Expert, But You Do Have to Begin with special guest Connie Michael from Hardin School District

In this episode, hosts Katrina, Claire, and Michelle are joined by special guest Connie Michael from Crow Agency Elementary School in the Hardin School District. Connie shares her experiences integrating Indian Education For All (IEFA), offers advice for teachers who are seeking to do more, and encouragement for all. 
Episode Objectives: 
Identify common barriers educators face when implementing Indian Education for All (IEFA), including misconceptions, lack of confidence, and fear of doing harm.
Explore actionable strategies and entry points for integrating IEFA into everyday instruction, especially for educators without firsthand cultural experience.
Amplify the importance of authentic partnerships with tribal communities and showcase how collaboration supports respectful, accurate, and impactful IEFA instruction.
How to receive Professional Development Units (PDUs) as a school group is shared in the Collaborative Listener Guide (https://opi.mt.gov/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=eeiBbSiLiy4%3D&portalid=182)
If you wish to provide feedback on this episode or suggest topics for future episodes, please respond to this brief survey (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeqDClTT_Q2zxDDa_W_zj4QqBuHN38b9-Ck8myJ_Fc4W-ZjCA/viewform?usp=header) 
 

Ep. 15 - MAST in Motion: Lessons from Implementation with special guest Rachel Barkell, Anaconda School District

In this episode, our special guest Rachel Barkell, a 4th grade teacher at Anaconda School District, joins us to share lessons and insights she and her team have gained from the first official year implementing MAST.
Episode 15 slides
Feedback form/suggest a topic

Ep 13 - Getting Ready, New School Year, New Standards Coming with OPI's Math Content Specialists

In this episode we visit with Katrina Engeldrum, Math Instructional Coordinator and Claire Mikeson, ELA Instructional Coordinator as they share with us what we can expect from the updated standards in both math and English Language Arts.
Objectives: 
Listeners will be introduced to the changes coming with ELA and Math Standards to be implemented in 2026
Listeners will discover the resources available on the OPI website for ELA, Math, and Science
Did you know that your content coordinators are available to answer any questions you may have regarding standards, implementation, and to connect you with resources.  We are here to assist you!
Slide Deck with Resource links
How to receive Professional Development Units (PDUs) as a school group is shared in the Collaborative Listener Guide (https://opi.mt.gov/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=eeiBbSiLiy4%3D&portalid=182)
If you wish to provide feedback on this episode or suggest topics for future episodes, please respond to this brief survey (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeqDClTT_Q2zxDDa_W_zj4QqBuHN38b9-Ck8myJ_Fc4W-ZjCA/viewform?usp=header) 

Ep 4 - Mentor Teachers in Browning: The Teacher Residency Program with special guests Angie, Carol, and Marci from Browning School District

Hometown Mentorship: The Teacher Residency Program - Applying theory into action with special guests Angie, Carol, and Marci from Browning School District., Objectives: 
Define and outline the structure of the mentorship program. 
Share how the program has evolved to encourage a school-wide culture of mutual support, fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation for the contributions of each team member.
Demonstrate how mentorship programs serve as essential tools for enhancing the professional growth, resilience, and retention of educators.  
Discuss strategies that schools and districts can implement to develop effective mentorship programs.

Ep 10 - ALL IN: Your Students, My Students, Our Students with special guests Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey

In this episode authors Douglas Fischer and Nancy Frey share their expertise on diverse student needs, student success, real world examples for an effective learning environment, the collaborative roles of educators, administrators and specialists, and practical ways schools can align new education standards with strategies that support all students' engagement and growth.
Objectives: 
Explore the latest research on supporting diverse student needs and its impact on student success.
Identify actionable strategies and real-world examples that create welcoming and effective learning environments for all students.
Understand the collaborative roles of educators, administrators, and specialists in meeting the needs of every learner.
Discuss practical ways schools can align new education standards with strategies that support all students’ engagement and growth.
How to receive Professional Development Units (PDUs) as a school group is shared in the Collaborative Listener Guide (https://opi.mt.gov/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=eeiBbSiLiy4%3D&portalid=182)
If you wish to provide feedback on this episode or suggest topics for future episodes, please respond to this brief survey (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeqDClTT_Q2zxDDa_W_zj4QqBuHN38b9-Ck8myJ_Fc4W-ZjCA/viewform?usp=header) 

Ep 7 - Every Voice, Every Day with special guests Carrie, Rebecca, and Aria

Every Voice Every Day: Embracing Diversity Through Inclusive Instruction with special guests, Carrie Owen, Rebecca Turk, and Aria Peters
Objectives: 
Identify and understand the legal requirements for all educators addressing culturally and linguistically diverse students.
Address misconceptions regarding English Language Proficiency: Clarifying what you believe you know about your students and revealing potential surprises.
Explore how fostering a culture of inclusivity supports culturally and linguistically diverse students to feel welcomed, valued, and engaged.
Identify evidence-based instructional strategies that support the academic and social achievement of culturally and linguistically diverse students.
How to receive Professional Development Units (PDUs) as a school group is shared in the Collaborative Listener Guide (https://opi.mt.gov/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=eeiBbSiLiy4%3D&portalid=182)
If you wish to provide feedback on this episode or suggest topics for future episodes, please respond to this brief survey (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeqDClTT_Q2zxDDa_W_zj4QqBuHN38b9-Ck8myJ_Fc4W-ZjCA/viewform?usp=header) 
 

Ep 14 - Looking Forward: 5th Graders' Report with special guests Tracy Babcock and students from Bozeman School District

Student Takeover!
This podcast is hosted by Tracy Babcock, a master educator and the former 5th grade teacher at Morningstar Elementary in Bozeman, Montana.  She will be interviewing her 2024/2025 students about their perspectives on what quality education should look like.
Objectives: 
Identify a sampling of 5th-grade students' perspectives on how they define a great teacher and a quality education
Understand 5th grade perspectives on what personal success looks like
Resources:  
Slide Deck with Links
How to receive Professional Development Units (PDUs) as a school group is shared in the Collaborative Listener Guide (https://opi.mt.gov/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=eeiBbSiLiy4%3D&portalid=182)
If you wish to provide feedback on this episode or suggest topics for future episodes, please respond to this brief survey (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeqDClTT_Q2zxDDa_W_zj4QqBuHN38b9-Ck8myJ_Fc4W-ZjCA/viewform?usp=header)