In this episode we are joined by the wonderful Kimberlee Williams, author of Dear White Woman, Please Come Home: Hand Me Your Bias and I'll Show You Our Connection, and the Director of Intercultural Affairs at The Bush School in Seattle, Washington. Kimberlee shares her message of hope around how to have difficult conversations as adults around race and culture so we can move "to the other side" of the discomfort. She talks about how adults can use disclaimers when talking to acknowledge their intentions, while also paying attention to the impact of our words. She gives permission for (white) people to sit in their discomfort, and challenges all of us to not take the easy route of cancel culture or shutting out people in your life. Listen to this powerful episode and enjoy the brilliance and wisdom that is Kimberlee Williams! Her enthusiasm and passion for her work and for creating the world she wants to see for herself, her family, and the students and families she works with are infectious and much needed in these trying times. Don't miss out on this episode, and be sure to get a copy of her book today...available now on Amazon!

In this episode we are joined by Jennifer Baselice, who is the Director of Technology at Lake Highland Preparatory School in Central Florida, and Susan Davis from the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS). We discuss emerging trends in technology from the evolving role of the technology director to how schools are building on the momentum of innovation and change experienced these past couple of years. We hope that school leaders in all areas of school life tune in for this informative and relatable conversation with Jennifer and Susan!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferbaselice/

For more information about how you can join an innovative, supportive and inclusive group of school technology leaders, check out the ATLIS Ignited Conference in Orlando this May: https://www.theatlis.org/2022-annual-conference-orlando

If you are an aspiring technology leader in your school and would also like to learn through a potent community experience, check out the ATLIS Leadership Institute: https://www.theatlis.org/atlis-leadership-institute

www.amplifyingoptimism.com

We return in Season 2 with a wonderful guest that you heard from in Season 1 - Lindy Hockenbary! Lindy has put together an incredible resource for teachers of all grades on how to reach students effectively with technology through online learning as well as in the classroom. This is truly a one of a kind resource that is a must have for teachers learning how to use technology in the classroom. Join us as we discuss important considerations and strategies from the book that you can begin using in your school today!

You can pick up your copy of Lindy's new book "A Teacher's Guide to Online Learning: Practical Strategies to Improve K-12 Student Engagement in Virtual Learning" on Amazon in digital or paperback format: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736350315/

www.amplifyingoptimism.com

We had such a blast traveling to and zooming into the ATLIS (Association of Technology Leaders in Schools) Undaunted Retreat in Seattle this past July. The experience was incredibly immersive and well crafted by the ATLIS Staff. You'll get to hear a whole lot more about just how immersive, unique and powerful of a program and experience this was for the educators in attendance. Participants had a chance to brainstorm with colleagues, generate new ideas and even have spontaneous collaborative work sessions across school that spanned the entire nation! We hope that you enjoy this unique panel interview along with some wonderful sharing from retreat participants! You might even get some ideas that you can bring back to your school...ok let's be honest, you definitely will!

https://www.theatlis.org/

https://www.amplifyingoptimism.com/

The human body and its interconnected systems, such as the nervous system, communicate and operate much like a modern computer network. We can learn how to use mindfulness as a "systems diagnostic & repair" tool for our own internal systems to increase productivity, reduce stress and boost problem solving skills. This bonus episode explores practical, evidence based and rapid mindfulness techniques through the analogy of technology and includes a guided mindfulness meditation. Join Michael to up your game and to get curious about how easy it is to use mindfulness in your everyday life!

www.amplifyingoptimism.com

www.bodymindupgrades.com

Join us this week as we talk with Erin and Sara from Happy YOUniversity! 

Happy YOUniversity has a number of offerings for educators and schools:

Joy Drop: a free offering to build community and connection in schools.  https://www.hyouniversity.com/joydrop

Positive Relationships: their newest program which is being offered July 12th https://www.hyouniversity.com/positive-relationships

Episode 24 is an exciting one because it features Constantine, who is a student that Josh has worked with for over a dozen years! Constantine is the real life Agamemnon from Josh's new book, The Confidence Project, a.k.a. the inspiration for chapter 7-- for those who have already read it! Constantine joined the Amplifying Optimism in Education podcast to talk with the team about how he uses the strategies and skills discussed in the book in his daily life. Now a freshman in College, Constantine has built his confidence and skills to allow him to not only tackle challenges, but to seek them out and even enjoy them as he takes control of his learning process! Listen now to hear the wisdom and insights of Constantine as he discusses how he manages his Challenge Cycle regularly to relish in the joy of being a lifelong learner!

Constantine Bayz is a current freshman Biology major at California Polytechnic State University. Constantine grew up in Washington D.C., where he attended Gonzaga College High school, played soccer, wrestled, and most importantly, got to put into practice his developing mastery of self-confidence and love of learning. Having worked with Mr. Faden for over a decade has taught him the importance of a proper mentality towards the many challenges faced both inside and outside the classroom.

In this episode Dr. Laura Potter joins us from the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Potter is a school psychologist and research associate and worked in schools prior to her recent move into Higher Education. CAREI recently completed a survey of over 13,000 people about their experiences is school during the pandemic. 

https://twitter.com/LauraPotter

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-potter-345a045b/