PD for the SOUL
Laneshia Boone
Welcome to PD for the Soul, the podcast that nourishes your passion for teaching with research-driven insights, inspiring case studies, and thought-provoking conversations with special guests. Relaunching January 2025, we’re here to help you connect the dots between theory and practice, with a special focus on mathematics education. From innovative strategies to deepen math instruction to stories that bring numbers to life, PD for the Soul is your go-to resource for growth, innovation, and inspiration in education. Let’s transform classrooms—one concept, lesson, and student at a time.
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Top 10 PD for the SOUL Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best PD for the SOUL episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to PD for the SOUL for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite PD for the SOUL episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
01/26/25 • 10 min
Join the Math Collective!
In this episode, we dive into the groundbreaking research of Inside the Black Box by Black and William (1998) and explore why improving formative assessments can lead to significant and substantial student growth.
As a math coach, I see firsthand how formative assessment opportunities often go unseized—not out of neglect, but due to the challenges teachers face with time and providing meaningful feedback. We'll discuss:
- Why knowing whether students are proficient isn’t enough,
- The role of feedback in moving students forward, and
- The importance of building a classroom culture where students can self-assess and chart their own pathway to success.
I’ll also share insights from my district’s framework and how it supports teachers in thinking about pathways to proficiency, as well as the challenges of individualized feedback in today’s classrooms.
Join me as we unpack the "sweet spot" of formative assessment—knowledge of the goal, knowledge of current performance, and knowledge of how to close the gap. This episode is packed with practical ideas and strategies to help you enhance your practice.
Ready to dig into what’s happening inside the black box of your classroom? Tune in now!
Resources Referenced:
- Inside the Black Box by William & Black (1998)
- Visible Learning by John Hattie
- How to Give Effective Feedback to Your Students by Susan Brookhart
Oh, and don't forget to register for my upcoming webinar here!
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of PD for the Soul! If you enjoyed today’s conversation, don’t forget to follow, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow educators.
You can also join the discussion and connect with me directly by clicking the link to join the Math Collective. Together, we’ll keep exploring practical strategies to transform classrooms and inspire students.
Remember, new episodes drop every Sunday at 9:00 am, so mark your calendars! Until next time, keep making math happen, and I’ll catch you in the next episode.
If you like math videos, let's connect:
Welcome to Season 2
PD for the SOUL
08/06/23 • 5 min
I can't believe we are here...
It took us 2 years to finish the first season.
Let's start season 2 smart so we can finish it strong.
The framework for PD for the Soul centers on practicality. I am marrying my love for reading and writing with education in a way that provides my listeners with action items versus ideas. Season 1 was Beat the Burnout and Season 2 is influenced by 50 Cent’s Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter, a page turner for me and hopefully this series will be a game changer for your classroom. Over the next several episodes, we will continue to build our educator toolkit. The work we do can’t be done empty handed and it is my goal to ensure you have everything you need.
Visit the link to access resources for your classroom and/or school. Email me at [email protected] to submit inquiries and to express interest in being a guest. And most importantly, subscribe so you never miss the fruit.
PD for the Soul is a safe space for getting just-in-time professional development that will challenge not only your thinking but your practices as well. This podcast is an opportunity for me and my network of professionals to plant seeds so that you may bear fruit. Each of our episodes will be a part of a PD playlist, or what many recognize as a series. Each series and episode therein will inspire you to reflect on your practices and leave you with easily implementable action items.
You can receive a certificate for any completed series by emailing your artifacts to [email protected]. Available packets are linked below:
- Beat the Burnout
- Teach Harder, Teach Smarter
Let's get social:
S2 | Bonus Ep 1 - All This Math feat. Akil Parker
PD for the SOUL
08/09/23 • 60 min
In this episode, I talked to Professor Akil Parker who is the founder and CEO of All This Math, LLC, an educational services company aimed at drastically improving the relationship between Mathematics and the Black Community.
The company offers math tutoring as well as educational consulting and
professional development for schools. All This Math also maintains a free YouTube channel where viewers can get simplified math instruction infused with Black History and culture.
He is currently a math professor at Cheyney University and has taught high school
math for a total of 18 years throughout Philadelphia. He is the author of 'How To Use All This Math', Volume 1, published in June 2023, a guidebook instructing parents/guardians in how to use everyday activities to develop arithmetic and algebra skills.
His greatest achievement is being a father of three children. Lastly, Akil Parker is a firm believer that math should be used as a tool of liberation for people of African descent globally.
Akil shares what he feels are the most pressing issues within math classrooms today and the role he plays in creating solutions for all stakeholders.
Subscribe to the All This Math YouTube Channel
Purchase your copy of How to use All This Math on Amazon
PD for the Soul is a safe space for getting just-in-time professional development that will challenge not only your thinking but your practices as well. This podcast is an opportunity for me and my network of professionals to plant seeds so that you may bear fruit. Each of our episodes will be a part of a PD playlist, or what many recognize as a series. Each series and episode therein will inspire you to reflect on your practices and leave you with easily implementable action items.
You can receive a certificate for any completed series by emailing your artifacts to [email protected]. Available packets are linked below:
- Beat the Burnout
- Teach Harder, Teach Smarter
Let's get social:
S1 | Ep 5: Accept That You Don't Know Everything
PD for the SOUL
07/25/23 • 9 min
In today's episode, Laneshia talks about the importance of accepting that you don't know everything.
Essential Question:
How can reflecting on my strengths and challenges and seeking out mentoring and learning opportunities help me prevent burnout?
Share your learn lists and requests for support on our Facebook Page.
Feel free to email requests to [email protected].
Check out the FULL EPISODE (PD for the SOUL Episode 5) on Apple, Spotify, Google Amazon, and iHeartRadio. #pdforthesoul
This episode is brought to you by:
Bear Fruit Ed
Bear Fruit prides itself on being a support system for the entire family. It is our goal to make you [mom + dad] feel as capable as possible in ensuring your child's needs are met. We encourage frequent and consistent communication, as we believe that it is together that we all are the most impactful. In order to get the most out of your time with us, whether 1:1 or through our mini courses, we encourage full engagement, consistency, and a willingness to learn.
We chose the name Bear Fruit because it most closely reflected our mission. Trees that bear fruit are cultivated to do so, they are planted in rich soil, in an environment with the appropriate temperatures, they are watered regularly, and they are exposed to the sun for a certain number of hours per day. Ultimately, the conditions are right for that tree to be successful.
Our children deserve the right conditions and it starts with support.
PD for the Soul is a safe space for getting just-in-time professional development that will challenge not only your thinking but your practices as well. This podcast is an opportunity for me and my network of professionals to plant seeds so that you may bear fruit. Each of our episodes will be a part of a PD playlist, or what many recognize as a series. Each series and episode therein will inspire you to reflect on your practices and leave you with easily implementable action items.
You can receive a certificate for any completed series by emailing your artifacts to [email protected]. Available packets are linked below:
- Beat the Burnout
- Teach Harder, Teach Smarter
Let's get social:
S1 | Ep 3: Protect Your Energy
PD for the SOUL
07/15/23 • 16 min
In today's episode, Laneshia talks about how to protect your energy.
Essential Question:
How can I remain impactful despite this area of concern being out of my immediate control?
Give it a try:
- Make a list of your teacher frustrations.
- Categorize your list based on the challenges you can control and those you can't.
- Develop "workarounds" for each frustration that is out of your control.
- Share your workarounds on our Facebook Page
Check out the FULL EPISODE (PD for the SOUL Episode 3) on Apple, Spotify, Google Amazon, and iHeartRadio. #pdforthesoul
This episode is brought to you by:
Bear Fruit Ed
Bear Fruit prides itself on being a support system for the entire family. It is our goal to make you [mom + dad] feel as capable as possible in ensuring your child's needs are met. We encourage frequent and consistent communication, as we believe that it is together that we all are the most impactful. In order to get the most out of your time with us, whether 1:1 or through our mini courses, we encourage full engagement, consistency, and a willingness to learn.
We chose the name Bear Fruit because it most closely reflected our mission. Trees that bear fruit are cultivated to do so, they are planted in rich soil, in an environment with the appropriate temperatures, they are watered regularly, and they are exposed to the sun for a certain number of hours per day. Ultimately, the conditions are right for that tree to be successful.
Our children deserve the right conditions and it starts with support.
PD for the Soul is a safe space for getting just-in-time professional development that will challenge not only your thinking but your practices as well. This podcast is an opportunity for me and my network of professionals to plant seeds so that you may bear fruit. Each of our episodes will be a part of a PD playlist, or what many recognize as a series. Each series and episode therein will inspire you to reflect on your practices and leave you with easily implementable action items.
You can receive a certificate for any completed series by emailing your artifacts to [email protected]. Available packets are linked below:
- Beat the Burnout
- Teach Harder, Teach Smarter
Let's get social:
S2 | Ep 1: Finding Comfort in Being Uncomfortable
PD for the SOUL
08/06/23 • 13 min
In today's episode, Laneshia talks about finding comfort in being uncomfortable.
Essential Question:
How can I find comfort in being uncomfortable?
- Accept that Failure is Imminent
- Face your Fears head on
- Operate in Confidence
Check out the FULL EPISODE (PD for the SOUL Season 2 Episode 1) on Apple, Spotify, Google Amazon, and iHeartRadio. #pdforthesoul
This episode is brought to you by:
Bear Fruit Ed
Bear Fruit prides itself on being a support system for classroom stakeholders. It is our goal to make students, teachers and parents feel as capable as possible in ensuring your needs are met.
We chose the name Bear Fruit because it most closely reflected our mission. Trees that bear fruit are cultivated to do so, they are planted in rich soil, in an environment with the appropriate temperatures, they are watered regularly, and they are exposed to the sun for a certain number of hours per day. Ultimately, the conditions are right for that tree to be successful.
Our children deserve the right conditions and it starts with support!
PD for the Soul is a safe space for getting just-in-time professional development that will challenge not only your thinking but your practices as well. This podcast is an opportunity for me and my network of professionals to plant seeds so that you may bear fruit. Each of our episodes will be a part of a PD playlist, or what many recognize as a series. Each series and episode therein will inspire you to reflect on your practices and leave you with easily implementable action items.
You can receive a certificate for any completed series by emailing your artifacts to [email protected]. Available packets are linked below:
- Beat the Burnout
- Teach Harder, Teach Smarter
Let's get social:
03/16/25 • 44 min
Dear Educator,
We’ve all felt the pressure—the pacing guides, the curriculum maps, the looming deadlines. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush, covering as much content as possible in the shortest amount of time. But here’s the truth: depth matters more than speed.
In this episode, Teacher Moves: How Planning with Clarity and Purpose Leads to Impact and Growth, we’re taking a step back to reflect on our role as educators—not just as instructors, but as scientists. Every day, we observe our classrooms, analyze student needs, and make intentional decisions that shape learning experiences. The most effective teaching isn’t about checking off topics; it’s about strategically choosing what will lead to real, lasting understanding.
So, let’s lean into the power of planning with purpose. Let’s commit to going a mile deep instead of a mile wide. Because when we teach with clarity and intention, we don’t just cover material—we build knowledge that sticks, skills that transfer, and confidence that lasts.
With purpose,
Laneshia Boone
Connect with Coach Kasha below:
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of PD for the Soul! If you enjoyed today’s conversation, don’t forget to follow, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow educators.
You can also join the discussion and connect with me directly by clicking the link to join the Math Collective. Together, we’ll keep exploring practical strategies to transform classrooms and inspire students.
Remember, new episodes drop every Sunday at 9:00 am, so mark your calendars! Until next time, keep making math happen, and I’ll catch you in the next episode.
If you like math videos, let's connect:
Making Math Stick: The Power of Consistent Representations
PD for the SOUL
04/06/25 • 16 min
In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked yet powerful elements of effective math instruction: consistent representations. Too often, in the rush to prepare students for tests, we skip over the very tools that help them understand, retain, and apply what they’ve learned. The result? Students who forget concepts days—or even hours—after they’re taught.
Drawing on insights from The Math Pact and Visible Learning, we explore why consistency in language, visuals, and manipulatives isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. From unpacking common misconceptions to rethinking how we use concrete models, you’ll walk away with practical ideas to help your students make connections that stick.
Whether you’re a classroom teacher, coach, or leader, this episode is your reminder that how we represent math is just as important as what we teach.
🎯 Topics covered:
- Why students forget and how to counter it
- Moving from C-R-A to connected models
- What makes a representation “stick”
- Unpacking math myths that hurt instruction
- Strategies for planning with purpose and coherence
Hit play and let’s talk about how to make math meaningful—and memorable.
🔁 Ready to do better now that you know better? Let’s Make Math Happen
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of PD for the Soul! If you enjoyed today’s conversation, don’t forget to follow, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow educators.
You can also join the discussion and connect with me directly by clicking the link to join the Math Collective. Together, we’ll keep exploring practical strategies to transform classrooms and inspire students.
Remember, new episodes drop every Sunday at 9:00 am, so mark your calendars! Until next time, keep making math happen, and I’ll catch you in the next episode.
If you like math videos, let's connect:
Closing Gaps in Foundational Math Skills
PD for the SOUL
02/02/25 • 58 min
Dear Educator,
If you’ve ever felt the tension between where your students are and where they need to be, you’re not alone. Teaching grade-level content to students who aren’t quite there yet is one of the greatest challenges we face as educators. But here’s the truth: it’s possible. And not only is it possible—it’s necessary.
Closing foundational gaps while moving students forward requires a mindset shift. A growth mindset, not just for our students, but for ourselves. When we believe that students can learn, that gaps can be closed, and that every small step forward is worth celebrating, we create a classroom where progress thrives.
It also requires leveraging technology effectively—not as a crutch, but as a tool that amplifies our instruction. The right tech can provide just-in-time scaffolds, targeted practice, and data that informs our next move. But no program replaces the power of a skilled, intentional teacher.
And let’s talk about the pacing guide. Yes, it’s there for a reason. Yes, it matters. But it should never weigh you down to the point that you’re rushing through content just to “cover” material. Teaching is about ensuring understanding, not just exposure. When we prioritize depth over speed, we set students up for long-term success.
Finally, we can’t pour from an empty cup. Seeking out professional development that sharpens our skills, deepens our content knowledge, and equips us with strategies that actually work is an investment in both our students and ourselves. The best teachers never stop learning.
So as you listen to today’s episode, I hope you walk away feeling seen, encouraged, and equipped. You are doing the work that matters most, and I’m honored to be on this journey with you.
With gratitude,
Laneshia
P.S.
Check out the YouTube Channels for today's guest, and show them some love by liking, following, and sharing the content that resonates with you.
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of PD for the Soul! If you enjoyed today’s conversation, don’t forget to follow, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow educators.
You can also join the discussion and connect with me directly by clicking the link to join the Math Collective. Together, we’ll keep exploring practical strategies to transform classrooms and inspire students.
Remember, new episodes drop every Sunday at 9:00 am, so mark your calendars! Until next time, keep making math happen, and I’ll catch you in the next episode.
If you like math videos, let's connect:
S1 | Ep 6: Create Systems that Do the Work for You
PD for the SOUL
07/27/23 • 11 min
In today's episode, Laneshia talks about creating systems to prevent teacher burnout.
Essential Question:
How can I create systems that will allow me to work smarter?
- Develop a Plan
- Work the Plan
- Stick to the Plan
Download our example and template here.
Check out the FULL EPISODE (PD for the SOUL Episode 6) on Apple, Spotify, Google Amazon, and iHeartRadio. #pdforthesoul
This episode is brought to you by:
Bear Fruit Ed
Bear Fruit prides itself on being a support system for the entire family. It is our goal to make you [mom + dad] feel as capable as possible in ensuring your child's needs are met. We encourage frequent and consistent communication, as we believe that it is together that we all are the most impactful. In order to get the most out of your time with us, whether 1:1 or through our mini courses, we encourage full engagement, consistency, and a willingness to learn.
We chose the name Bear Fruit because it most closely reflected our mission. Trees that bear fruit are cultivated to do so, they are planted in rich soil, in an environment with the appropriate temperatures, they are watered regularly, and they are exposed to the sun for a certain number of hours per day. Ultimately, the conditions are right for that tree to be successful.
Our children deserve the right conditions and it starts with support.
PD for the Soul is a safe space for getting just-in-time professional development that will challenge not only your thinking but your practices as well. This podcast is an opportunity for me and my network of professionals to plant seeds so that you may bear fruit. Each of our episodes will be a part of a PD playlist, or what many recognize as a series. Each series and episode therein will inspire you to reflect on your practices and leave you with easily implementable action items.
You can receive a certificate for any completed series by emailing your artifacts to [email protected]. Available packets are linked below:
- Beat the Burnout
- Teach Harder, Teach Smarter
Let's get social:
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FAQ
How many episodes does PD for the SOUL have?
PD for the SOUL currently has 26 episodes available.
What topics does PD for the SOUL cover?
The podcast is about Pedagogy, How To, Podcasts, Education and Math Education.
What is the most popular episode on PD for the SOUL?
The episode title 'S1 | Ep 6: Create Systems that Do the Work for You' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on PD for the SOUL?
The average episode length on PD for the SOUL is 23 minutes.
How often are episodes of PD for the SOUL released?
Episodes of PD for the SOUL are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of PD for the SOUL?
The first episode of PD for the SOUL was released on Aug 4, 2021.
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