Professor on Your Side

About Professor on Your Side

Each week, Dr. T brings together parents, educators, and students for meaningful conversations that connect the journey from high school to higher education. Dr. T shares practical strategies on everything from executive functioning and study skills to self-advocacy, emotional well-being, and family communication. Whether you’re helping your student prepare for the next step, guiding diverse learners in your classroom, or navigating college life yourself, this podcast is your trusted space for clarity, encouragement, and connection.

Publisher

Dr. J Tramantano

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Nov 2025

Latest episode

6 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Sept 2026

   5 Things College Freshmen Should Do Right Now

   5 Things College Freshmen Should Do Right Now The first few weeks of college can feel overwhelming. Students are adjusting to new schedules, multiple learning platforms, deadlines, new relationships, and a very different level of independence. Turn on LMS notifications Build a block schedule Treat due dates as deadlines Use your campus support network Set up accommodations and use office hours proactively In this episode of Professor on Your Side, Dr. Johanna David-Tramantano shares five practical things college freshmen can do right now to feel more organized, supported, and in control. You’ll hear tips on: LMS notifications Block scheduling Why due dates are deadlines Campus support and office hours Accommodations and self-advocacy How parents can shift from “remote manager” to coach Open every learning management system you use, turn on your important notifications, and put every major due date for the next two weeks into one calendar. Learn more about the CONNECT Framework and the book at collegeconnectbook.com (www.collegeconnectbook.com). Subscribe to Professor on Your Side for more practical strategies for navigating college with confidence. Your Professor on Your Side Assignment

2. 

   10 Aug 2026

   How to Build Student Agency and a Strong Learning Identity with Jewellyn Forrest

   How to Build Student Agency and a Strong Learning Identity with Jewellyn Forrest In this episode of Professor On Your Side, Johanna interviews educator, consultant, and Learning Mountain creator Jewellyn Forrest, who has spent over 33 years teaching and coaching from pre-K through college and now leads Autonomy Learning. They discuss why a student’s learning identity—seeing oneself as a learner who belongs, persists through challenge, and stays curious—can matter as much as content knowledge, and how adult language and school performance culture can shape or undermine that identity (e.g., “not a math person” or defining kids by reading levels). Forrest shares practical ways to build agency by pausing, asking “What have you tried?”, resisting “rescuing,” and taking a long-range view, including scaffolding tasks like writing emails. They also explore integrating social-emotional learning into the learning process through the Learning Mountain model, and reframing the college transition as a new learning experience supported by resources and networks. For more information about Autonomy Learning https://www.autonomylearning.com/ (https://www.autonomylearning.com/) Follow https://autonomylearning.substack.com/ (https://autonomylearning.substack.com/)

3. 

   6 Jun 2026

   One Student Researcher's Mission: Put Learning Science in Students' Hands

   In this episode, Dr. Johanna David-Tramantano sits down with Tolly Gershberg, a junior in Potomac, Maryland, and research fellow at the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning. Tolly took evidence-based learning science off the shelf and turned it into a practical, student-friendly guide covering focus, reading, note-taking, studying, and test-taking — and it's already reached over 500 students. For more information about Johanna's book: https://www.collegeconnectbook.com/

4. 

   19 Apr 2026

   The College Transition for Students with Learning Disabilities: A Conversation with Elizabeth Hamblet

   In this eye-opening conversation, Johanna sits down with Elizabeth Cohen Hamblet , a learning specialist and leading expert in college disability services and transition planning who has worked in college disability offices for over 20 years and is the author of Seven Steps to College Success: A Pathway for Students with Disabilities (https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Steps-College-Success-Disabilities/dp/1475864442) Elizabeth breaks down the critical differences between disability support at the high school and college levels, dispels widely held myths about IEPs and 504 plans, and shares actionable strategies families can start using right now — no matter what grade their student is in. Whether you're a parent, educator, coach, or student, this episode is packed with information that will change the way you think about college preparation. Learn more about Elizabeth C. Hamblet's work here! (google.com/search?q=elizabeth+hamblet&oq=elizabeth+hamblet&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyCggAEAAY4wIYgAQyBwgBEC4YgAQyBwgCEAAYgAQyBwgDEAAYgAQyCAgEEAAYFhgeMggIBRAAGBYYHjIICAYQABgWGB4yBwgHEAAY7wUyCggIEAAYogQYiQUyBwgJEAAY7wXSAQg1ODE5ajBqN6gCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8) Thank you for listening to Professor on Your Side! If this episode was helpful, please rate, review, and share — and stay tuned for more conversations about navigating education with clarity and confidence.

5. 

   24 Mar 2026

   Ready to Thrive: Preparing Students with Physical Disabilities and Health Conditions for the College Transition: A Conversation with Annie Tulkin

   Dr. Johanna Tramantano interviews Annie Tulkin, CEO and founder of Accessible College, about college preparation and transition for students with physical disabilities, sensory impairments, and chronic health conditions, often with co-occurring diagnoses. They emphasize student self-advocacy, researching disability office staffing and mission statements, and setting accommodations up early because they are not retroactive and require active student management (e.g., reserving exam accommodations in advance). Tulkin describes helping families plan logistics like medication refills, insurance, and infusions, recommends starting by junior/senior year, and encourages educators to seek specialized resources when needed. Annie Tulkin is the CEO and Founder of Accessible College (http://www.accessiblecollege.com/), as well as an educator, author,  and public speaker. She is an expert in the area of college preparation and transition for students with physical disabilities and health conditions. Website: www.accessiblecollege.com (http://www.accessiblecollege.com/) Facebook: AccessibleCollege (https://www.facebook.com/accessiblecollege) Instagram: AccessibleCollege (https://www.instagram.com/accessiblecollege/) Accessible College provides 1-on-1 college preparation and transition support for students with physical disabilities and health conditions. Learn more about our services (https://accessiblecollege.com/). Online Courses: 1. Signature Course: Preparing Students with Physical Disabilities and Health Conditions for College (https://accessiblecollege.thinkific.com/courses/Accessible-College): This self-paced course is designed for parents, educators, counselors, and healthcare providers. American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) CEUs. 2. Dorm Life and Daily Routines: Preparing Students with Physical Disabilities for College Independence (https://accessiblecollege.thinkific.com/courses/College-Dorm-Daily-Disability): On-Demand. Designed for OTPs, healthcare providers, educators, students, and parents.  Instructor: Christie Cyktor, OTD, MS, OTR/L. American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) CEUs. 3. College Preparation Bundle (https://accessiblecollege.thinkific.com/bundles/preparation-bundle): "Preparing Students with Physical Disabilities and Health Conditions for College" + "Dorm Life and Daily Routines: Preparing Students with Physical Disabilities for College Independence". 4.Bringing a Personal Care Attendant to College: The Experiences of Students and Families (https://accessiblecollege.thinkific.com/courses/PCA-College): On-Demand. Three part series featuring students with PCAs and their parents. Free. Accessible College’s Physical Disability Resources 1. Partnership with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation (https://accessiblecollege.com/2025/09/04/accessible-college-dana-christopher-reeve-foundation-celebrating-5-years-of-collaboration/): Accessible College has a partnership with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. Students with any type of paralysis can work with Annie Tulkin for free for up to 3 hours. 2. Navigating the Transition to College with Paralysis (https://s3.amazonaws.com/reeve-assets-production/Navigating-and-Transitioning-to-College-with-Paralysis.pdf):  A comprehensive guide written by Annie Tulkin for the Reeve Foundation. 3. A Wheelchair User’s Guide to Preparing for College (https://accessiblecollege.com/2022/03/08/wheelchair-college/) and How to Secure Housing and Manage PCA Services at College (https://accessiblecollege.com/2022/03/31/pca-services-in-college/). 4. United Spinal: Wheels on Campus-20 wheelchair friendly campuses guide (https://newmobility.com/category/wheels-on-campus/): This is a guide that United Spinal and New Mobility Magazine put together. It features the most wheelchair accessible campuses and discusses college options for wheelchair users. 5. Accessible College and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA): Working Together to Support Students (https://accessiblecollege.com/2024/10/23/accessible-college-and-the-muscular-dystrophy-association-mda-working-together-to-support-students/): A series of resources and webinars created by Accessible College with MDA. Health Conditions/Visual Impairments: 1. When Students with Health Conditions Transition to College (https://accessiblecollege.com/2019/06/24/when-students-with-health-conditions-transition-to-college/): This post talks about executive function skills that are essential for students with health conditions in the college setting. 2. How Can Students with Health Conditions Successfully Navigate the College Transition? (https://accessiblecollege.com/2020/01/21/how-can-students-with-health-conditions-successfully-navigate-the-college-transition/): This post focuses on preparing students with health conditions to be able to self advocate in college. 3. Perkins School for the Blind-College Readiness Resource Center (https://www.perkins.org/college-success/resource-center/): Accessible College worked with the Perkins School to create this site to support students, families, and educators.

6. 

   17 Jan 2026

   Preventing Burnout: Building Systems for Student Success

   This motivational video on #executivefunctioning and #collegesuccess explores why student burnout is rarely about laziness and almost always about broken systems. Students juggling academics, work, family responsibilities, and mental health need sustainable executive functioning supports—not self-criticism—to thrive.In this video, we unpack the real causes of student burnout, tracing the origins of the term “burnout” to psychologist Herbert Freudenberger and examining how chronic stress disrupts learning, motivation, and well-being. Designed for students, parents, and educators, this episode offers practical, research-informed strategies to strengthen executive functioning skills, build supportive systems, and prevent burnout before it derails academic success. Learn how prioritizing connection, realistic expectations, and intentional support leads to resilience and long-term student success in high school, college, and beyond.https://www.npr.org/2016/12/08/504864961/when-a-psychologist-succumbed-to-stress-he-coined-the-term-burnoutBurnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycleby Emily Nagoski PhD, Amelia Nagoski DMA#collegesuccess#studentburnout#motivational#academicsuccess #collegetransitionsupport#executivefunctioningskills#highereducationsuccessDisclaimer: The views shared on this channel are my own and do not represent any institution. All content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or professional advice.

7. 

   23 Dec 2025

   Understanding the Science of Reading for Parents and Educators

   In this Reading Masterclass, Dr. T explains the Science of Reading in clear, practical terms, helping parents and educators understand how reading develops, what progress should look like, and how to support children with dyslexia and other learning differences.In this episode, you’ll learn: How children learn to read—from phonemic awareness and phonics to decoding and comprehension, what the Science of Reading means (and what it doesn’t), how reading instruction has evolved from Whole Language and Balanced Literacy to Structured Literacy, key early literacy milestones from pre-K through 2nd grade, why multilingualism matters in reading development, common myths about dyslexia, letter reversals, and reading struggles, and practical steps parents can take at home—and smart questions to ask schools about reading programs and assessments. Whether your child is thriving or struggling with reading due to dyslexia, or other learning differences, this masterclass will help you better understand their reading journey and advocate for the instruction they need.🔑 The Five Essential Components of Reading (Identified by the National Reading Panel)Phonemic AwarenessPhonics – Systematic instruction in letter–sound relationshipsFluency – Reading with accuracy, rate, and expressionVocabulary – Knowing and understanding wordsComprehension – Making meaning from text (the ultimate goal of reading)🧠 Instructional Approaches to Reading• Whole Language – Emphasizes immersion in books with minimal phonics instruction.• Balanced Literacy – Combines literature with some phonics, often using leveled texts and guided reading.• Three-Cueing System – Encourages students to guess words using meaning, structure, and visual cues rather than decoding.• Science of Reading – A body of interdisciplinary research explaining how the brain learns to read; shows that reading is not natural and must be explicitly taught.• Structured Literacy – An evidence-based approach aligned with the Science of Reading, featuring explicit, systematic phonics instruction.• Decodable Texts – Texts designed to match taught phonics patterns so students practice decoding instead of guessing.📊 Reading Models & Assessment Tools• Scarborough’s Reading Rope – A model showing how word recognition and language comprehension strands work together to create skilled readers.• Screeners – Brief assessments used to flag potential reading difficulties.• Diagnostic Assessments – In-depth tools used to identify the specific source of a reading challenge.National Reading Panel Report:https://www.nichd.nih.gov/sites/default/files/publications/pubs/nrp/Documents/report.pdfhttps://www.apmreports.org/episode/2019/08/22/whats-wrong-how-schools-teach-readingHow the Brain Learns to Read - Prof. Stanislas Dehaenehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25GI3-kiLdoDisclaimer: The views shared on this channel are my own and do not represent any institution. All content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or professional advice

8. 

   14 Dec 2025

   Failed College Classes: How Parents Can Help Their Freshman Get Back on Track

   Did your college freshman fail a class this semester—or even two—and come home overwhelmed, embarrassed, or scared? You’re not alone, and this is not the end of their college journey. In this video, Dr. T walks parents through exactly what to do next when a student struggles academically during their first year of college.You’ll learn how to support your student through the emotional impact of failing a class, understand the academic and GPA consequences, navigate financial aid and SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) concerns, and prepare for critical conversations with academic advisors and financial aid offices. This video breaks down what colleges typically do when a freshman fails classes—and how parents can help students build a realistic recovery plan.In this video, you’ll learn:What failing a college class really means (academically & emotionally)How GPA, credits, and academic probation workWhen financial aid, scholarships, and SAP may be at riskWhat questions your student should ask their academic advisorHow to help your student create a 4-part recovery planDisclaimer: The views shared on this channel are my own and do not represent any institution. All content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or professional advice.

9. 

   7 Dec 2025

   Essential Strategies to Help Your High Schooler Stay Organized

   Essential Strategies to Help Your High Schooler Stay Organized In this episode, Dr. T, a seasoned educator and literacy specialist, explores effective strategies for helping high school students develop organizational skills in today's distraction-filled world. Drawing from psychological research and her two-decade experience, she emphasizes practices like body doubling, piloting, reflecting on strategies, modeling organizational habits, and using block scheduling. Dr. T provides insights into why traditional methods may not work and how parents can guide their teens in building sustainable organizational systems tailored to their needs. Article mentioned: Rosen, Larry. “The Distracted Student Mind — Enhancing Its Focus and Attention.” Kappanonline.org, 16 Oct. 2017, kappanonline.org/rosen-distracted-student-mind-attention/. Disclaimer: The views shared on this channel are my own and do not represent any institution. All content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or professional advice.

10. 

    30 Nov 2025

    Finish Strong: A Five-Step Success Plan for Parents and College Students

    Helping Your College Student Finish the Semester Strong In this episode, Dr. T, a seasoned educator and parent, provides a detailed, step-by-step plan for parents to help their college students overcome mid-semester struggles. Dr. T explains why many students hit a wall around mid-November, citing research from the field. The episode outlines effective strategies parents can use, from starting supportive conversations, leveraging Learning Management Systems (LMS), and resetting study systems, to utilizing campus resources like academic advisors, tutoring centers, and wellness services. Dr. T emphasizes a structured approach involving weekly targets, daily micro-goals, and accountability measures, all while maintaining a balance of support without micromanaging. The episode concludes with encouragement and practical advice, reassuring parents that struggles are a part of the learning process. 00:00 Introduction: Turning the Semester Around 00:50 Understanding Student Struggles 01:59 Effective Parental Support Strategies 03:40 Step-by-Step Recovery Plan 04:55 Utilizing Campus Resources 06:03 Finishing the Semester Strong 07:49 Final Thoughts and Encouragement References: ACHA. (2024). National College Health Assessment - ACHA. Https://Www.acha.org/. https://www.acha.org/ncha/ Allsopp, G. L., Wooding, S. E., West, J. M., & Turner, A. I. (2024). Optimising Assessment Workload And Student Experience; A Quantitative And Qualitative Analysis Of An Undergraduate Subject Restructure. AJP Advances in Physiology Education, 49(1). https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00095.2024 Anshu, A. H., & Yesuf, M. Y. (2022). Effects of Collaborative Writing on EFL Students’ Paragraph Writing Performance: Focus on Content and Coherence. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 10(1), 36. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.10n.1p.36 Credé, M., Roch, S. G., & Kieszczynka, U. M. (2010). Class Attendance in College: A Meta-Analytic Review of the Relationship of Class Attendance With Grades and Student Characteristics. Review of Educational Research, 80(2), 272–295. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654310362998 Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “What” and “Why” of Goal Pursuits: Human needs and the Self-Determination of Behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_01 Education – selfdeterminationtheory.org. (n.d.). https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/topics/application-education/ Gollwitzer, P. M., & Sheeran, P. (2006). Implementation Intentions and Goal Achievement: A Meta‐analysis of Effects and Processes. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 38(1), 69–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2601(06)38002-1 LMS Use and Satisfaction. (2018). EDUCAUSE. https://www.educause.edu/ecar/research-publications/ecar-study-of-undergraduate-students-and-information-technology/2018/lms-use-and-satisfaction Sweller, J., Ayres, P., & Slava Kalyuga. (2011). Amassing Information: The Information Store Principle. Springer EBooks, 17–25. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8126-4_2 (https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8126-4_2) Yeager, D. (2024). 10 to 25. Simon and Schuster.

11. 

    23 Nov 2025

    The Thanksgiving Check-In: Helping Your College Freshman Finish Strong

    Navigating Thanksgiving Break Conversations for College Success In this episode of Professor on Your Side, Dr. T discusses the importance of timing for engaging with college students over Thanksgiving break. This period provides a unique opportunity to check in on their first semester without pressure. Dr. T introduces a free Thanksgiving Break Conversation Guide designed to foster connection and support. Key strategies include starting conversations gently, focusing on strengths, identifying potential red flags, and creating a collaborative plan for the final stretch of the semester. Listeners are encouraged to navigate these interactions with empathy, aiming for empowerment rather than perfection. Grab your FREE copy of the checklist here! (https://professoronyourside.com)

12. 

    16 Nov 2025

    Navigating College Transitions: Insights from Professor Krisler Bailey

    In this episode of the Professor on Your Side podcast, host Dr. J Tramantano welcomes Professor Krisler Bailey to discuss crucial aspects of academic support, particularly focusing on executive functioning challenges faced by college freshmen. Drawing from her 24 years of experience in higher education, Professor Bailey shares her journey and how her personal struggles in college inspired her to help students navigate their academic and personal lives. The conversation delves into the diverse needs of students, the importance of allowing students to experience and learn from struggles, and effective strategies for managing unstructured time. Additionally, they discuss the significance of modeling habits and curiosity for parents. Essential resources and books for supporting student development are also highlighted. This episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for educators, parents, and students alike. https://www.linkedin.com/in/krisler-bailey/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/krisler-bailey/) https://coachingwithkrisler.com/resources/ (https://coachingwithkrisler.com/resources/)

13. 

    9 Nov 2025

    Essential Executive Functioning Skills for College Success

    Essential Executive Functioning Skills for College Success. In this episode of 'Professor on Your Side,' Dr. Johanna David -Tramantano discusses the critical importance of executive functioning skills for college students. These skills, which include planning, organization, focus, and time management, can make the difference between merely surviving college and thriving. Dr. Tramantano explores emerging research on how current digital habits are impacting students' executive functioning and offers practical advice for parents and students to develop these skills before college. With real-life examples, Dr. Tramantano emphasizes the transition challenges students face and provides five practical strategies to strengthen executive functioning skills— including using a single planner, breaking tasks into steps, establishing routines, developing time awareness, and gradually handing over responsibility to the student. The episode underscores the importance of these skills for academic and lifelong success. Research cited int his episode: Vohr, B. R. (2023). Less screen time, and more physical activity associated with executive function. The Journal of Pediatrics, 261. Zeyrek, I., Tabara, M. F., & Çakan, M. (2024). Exploring the Relationship of Smartphone Addiction on Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity Symptoms, and Sleep Quality Among University Students: A Cross‐Sectional Study. Brain and Behavior, 14(11), e70137.

14. 

    2 Nov 2025

    Empowering Students: College Prep for Diverse Learning Needs

    In the first episode of the "Professor on Your Side" Podcast, Dr. Tramantano, an educator and high school to college transition coach, focuses on navigating the college application process for students with diverse learning needs, such as those with IEPs, 504 plans, ADHD, and dyslexia. She offers practical advice for parents, educators, and students, emphasizing the importance of early planning, self-advocacy, and choosing the right college environment. Dr. Tramantano shares personal anecdotes and essential steps to ensure students are well-prepared for college, from organizing documents to understanding college disability services. She encourages focusing on a student's strengths and developing independent skills to build confidence and thrive in college.

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