Episode Guide

1. The New Teacher Experience: Follow two teachers in Los Angeles, CA for an intimate look at what the experience is really like.  Many beginning teachers in America are given keys to their classroom and left to sink or swim in isolation, but, with the support of mentors, these teachers persevere through the trials and tribulations of their first year of teaching.

2. Bullying at School: A look at three innovative approaches to tackling the serious issue of bullying. Visit three schools where parents, teachers and students are implementing bullying prevention programs that are making a big difference in students’ lives.

3. Digital Literacy in the Classroom: Students learn how to become proactive digital citizens.  From understanding safe behavior online to learning how to find reliable sources to seeing how online activity leaves a lasting identity trail – - these lessons are designed to develop critical thinking skills.

4. The Common Core State Standards: Watch teachers break new ground putting the Common Core Standards into practice in Math and English Language Arts. The emphasis of these lessons is on deeper thinking, analyzing, and problem solving to better prepare students for success in college and future careers.

5. Arts Essentials: Take a look at how teachers are designing arts programs that promote critical thinking and problem solving skills. Visit several classrooms where art, music, dance and drama are used to teach math and writing – along with helping students develop social skills and self-confidence.

6. Technology and Science: Visit classrooms across America where hands on lessons capture students’ interest and imagination. See biology, physics and chemistry in action and learn about some innovative ways teachers are using technology in the classroom.

7. Social Studies Essentials: Watch students engage in rigorous lessons about socio-economics, community and history. We’ll start in first grade and finish up in high school with some extraordinary teachers who provide their students with unforgettable experiences in order to learn complex concepts.

8. Middle School: See how middle school students in America are being prepared for high school. Follow along as students read a fairy tale to learn the concepts of plot and theme. Find out why passing notes is encouraged in a sixth grade class. Learn how some teachers are motivating young learners by tapping into their interests.

9. Inquiry-based Teaching: A look inside New York’s Urban Academy Laboratory High School where two teachers lead student driven, student centered classes. Watch animated discussions unfold when students are challenged to analyze difficult texts and there are no right or wrong answers.

10. Connecting the Arts to Academics: Take a look at how schools are incorporating the arts into their curriculum. See a wide range of lessons from first grade to high school where students learn about math, science, discipline, leadership and foreign languages through the arts.