Each month SPN publishes at least one podcast on topics that members identify through member questions that are put out for discussion. These topics connect to the Technical Bulletin for that month as well. SPN recruits specialists, researchers, school leaders, and consultants to conduct these podcasts on specific topics with practical applications to teachers and administrators. Periodically, SPN’s podcasts feature national policy experts on topics that affect classroom teachers and administrators such as the release of the Common Core State Standards and their future assessments. These podcasts give educators an easy to access repository of current educational theory and practice without traveling to conferences and events. Some of the most well received podcasts are hosted by educators in member schools that add implementation details to the “Successful Practices” already submitted. Podcasts are recorded at conferences and in the SPN studio depending on presenter location. Using the social networking and internal email features of the website, coaches are able to recommend these (and all) resources to individuals and schools with whom they work.

Benefits:

• Podcasts can be shared among staff members to initiate conversation about unfamiliar topics
• New education strategies are accessible 24/7
• Reinforces ideas or learning from conferences or events; shares information with those that cannot attend
• Efficiently presents new ideas for consideration
• Efficient exposure to top thinkers in their field of education

  They are presented as streaming video using Windows Media Player.