Episode 64
Get students thinking, and asking big questions with TCI Social Studies and Science Curriculum
In this episode, Jeffrey Bradbury welcomes Brian Thomas and Becca Burnfin to discuss the impact of COVID on educational resources, the importance of high-quality instructional materials, and the role of teacher feedback in curriculum development. They explore TCI's approach to creating engaging curriculum for social studies and science, the training and rollout process for new materials, and the future of online education. Becca shares her experiences as a teacher using TCI resources, highlighting the effectiveness of their materials in diverse classrooms.
If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today!
Conversation Takeaways
- TCI creates curriculum materials that engage and inspire students.
- High-quality instructional materials ensure equity in education.
- Teacher feedback is essential for improving curriculum design.
- Training for new curriculum should be ongoing and accessible.
- Digital resources are crucial for modern classrooms.
- Engaging activities help students connect with historical content.
- Teachers need tools that save time and enhance planning.
- The future of education will incorporate AI and technology.
- Continuous improvement based on teacher input is vital for TCI.
About our Guests:
Becca Burnfin Becca Burnfin is a dedicated high school history teacher currently serving in Southwest Kansas, with 16 years of experience in public education. She has worked across K-12 in all subjects, specializing in creating engaging learning experiences for at-risk student populations. A recognized leader in education, she received the Finney County Crystal Apple Award in 2016 and the Kansas Exemplary Educator Award in 2017. As a sponsor, her school earned the Kansas Civic Advocacy Award in 2020. Becca is pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Oregon, is married to a fellow educator, and is a proud mom of three boys who keep her inspired and connected. Brian Thomas Brian Thomas is a former classroom teacher and current Learning Designer at TCI. He has been with TCI since 2004. Brian has worked in sales, professional development, content development, and social media at TCI. Prior to TCI, Brian taught middle school social studies in the Lakota Local School District for twelve years near his home in Cincinnati, OH. During that time, he served as a department chairperson as well as Athletic Director. Brian’s education includes a B.S.Ed. from Miami University, Oxford, OH in Secondary Education – Social Studies (1992). He also holds a M.S.Ed. in Learning Design & Technology from Purdue University, Lafayette, IN (2016).About Company
Teachers’ Curriculum Institute (TCI) programs and resources support the needs of students and educators with a high-quality, interactive curriculum that is comprehensive and blends print and digital materials. With TCI, school districts get everything they need to support teachers in delivering immersive learning experiences.Links of Interest
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeachTCI/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tci-teachers'-curriculum-institute
- Twitter: https://x.com/TeachTCI
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TeachTCI
Follow Our Podcast And Subscribe
Follow Our Host
- Jeff Bradbury | @JeffBradbury
- TeacherCast | @TeacherCast
Join Our PLN
Are you enjoying the TeacherCast Network, please share your thoughts with the world by commenting on Apple Podcasts today? I enjoy reading and sharing your comments on the podcast each week.Let’s Work Together
- Host: Jeff Bradbury @TeacherCast | @JeffBradbury
- Email: info@teachercast.net
- Voice Mail: **http://www.TeacherCast.net/voicemail**
- YouTube: **http://www.TeacherCast.net/YouTube**
- iTunes: **http://www.TeacherCast.net/iTunes**
Check Out More TeacherCast Programming
Need A Presenter?
- Jeff Bradbury (@TeacherCast) is available as a Keynote Speaker, Presenter, or to Broadcast your conference LIVE!
