5 Education Podcasts to Jumpstart the New Year

Back by popular demand, we’ve got another great line up of five can’t-miss podcasts to enjoy over the winter break and into the new year. Whether you’re driving in your car, relaxing in your favorite chair, or doing the dishes, podcasts are an easy way to catch up on the latest in the field, learn something new, or simply get lost in a story that makes you feel less alone.

Whether you’re looking to retool your instructional strategies, recommit to equity-focused leadership, or restore your passion, there’s a podcast waiting for you. For more ideas, visit our summer podcast recommendations too. Kick off 2023 with a burst of inspiration and professional learning—and then relax and tune in all year long. 

For instructional strategies 

If you’re looking for teaching strategies, classroom management tips, and insights on the latest pedagogies, The Cult of Pedagogy may be for you. Host Jennifer Gonzalez speaks with teachers, administrators, and students to get the inside story on all things teaching as well as the social and psychological dynamics that are often at play in schools. A former middle school teacher and teacher development specialist, Gonzalez offers “trade secrets” for leaders and educators.

Listen In: Here’s an episode on adding culturally responsive critical thinking into everyday lessons, featuring educator and author Colin Seale. 

For equity-focused leadership 

8 Black Hands focuses on education for students of color, exploring the issues and opportunities that face schools through the lens of the roughly eight million Black students in the US. Among the thought leaders regularly featured is Sherif El-Mekki, a former teacher and school principal who launched the Center for Black Educator Development which champions teacher diversity as a means to improve student success. Each of the “8 Black Hands” offers perspective on leading for equity in our nation’s schools. 

Listen In: Wondering about the relationship between equity and school discipline? This 8 Black Hands podcast explores this topic in depth—and [spoiler alert!] they do not always agree. 

For the latest in education technology

It can be hard to keep up with the ever-evolving world of technology. This weekly podcast, EdTech Situation Room, offers fresh insights and analysis on new tech developments and how they impact schools and the broader education landscape. The hosts, both educators, also discuss tools, resources, and apps that educators and leaders can use. With close to 300 episodes, you’ll be an edtech expert in no time.

Listen In: Check out this recent podcast and learn more about the ad-free player YouTube launched for students this past fall. 

For first-hand insights from other school leaders

Want to know what other principals are doing? The Transformative Principal might be the podcast you need. Every week, Jethro Jones, an award-winning principal, interviews impactful school principals and education leaders, zeroing in on the leadership actions that enable them to transform their schools for the better. His podcast elevates everyday stories of impact with the aim to inspire more leaders and improve K-12 education. 

Listen In: In this episode, Dr. Erika Garcia-Niles, a principal in Missouri, speaks to how her leadership actions center on people. “People by day, paperwork by night.” 

For inspiration for your teachers

The Teach Better Network hosts an array of podcasts with diverse voices that are focused on supporting everyone in schools with a particular emphasis on educators building more student-focused classrooms. Their vision is for all teachers to be “connected, supported, and inspired to be better every day” so that all students “discover and develop their passions to positively impact their communities.” From STEM instruction to coaching, lesson planning to teacher empowerment, the variety of podcasts will leave you and your staff wanting more. 

Listen In: With more than 30 podcasts to choose from, you’re sure to find a good fit for everyone on your staff. Try See, What Had Happened for a good story. Or, 1st Gen Teacher for fresh perspectives on the teaching profession. Or, Powered Up to motivate you for the day ahead.

This winter break, as you’re taking time to restore, retool, and recommit, give a new podcast a try. They’re an easy and inspiring way to jumpstart the new year. Tune in today. For more ideas, visit: Education Podcasts to Kick Off the New Year.

What podcasts would you share with fellow education leaders? Tag @NewLeadersOrg on Twitter to let us know.