Emily Kircher-Morris sits down with Tom Rademacher, an award-winning educator and author, to explore the nuances of creating affirming educational environments. They discuss the importance of vulnerability in teaching, the impact of neurodivergence on learning, and how personal experiences shape educational philosophies. Tom shares thoughts about his book series "Bucket and Friends," which teaches the power of embracing one's uniqueness and the role of agency and optimism in education.

TAKEAWAYS

• There are always opportunities to improve a supportive learning environment.

• Expressing vulnerability as a teacher can vastly improve relationships with students.

• Personal experiences can and will influence teaching philosophies.

• "Bucket & Friends" emphasizes the importance of embracing uniqueness.

• Agency and optimism have high value in an education context.

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Tom Rademacher is an award-winning educator and author with over 20 years of experience in education. He currently serves as a professor in the teacher licensure program at Reach University's Oxford Teachers College and is the author of 50 Strategies for Learning without Screens, It Won't Be Easy, Raising Ollie, and the upcoming chapter book series Bucket and Friends.

Named Minnesota Teacher of the Year in 2014, Tom brings humor, heart, and honesty to his work in preparing future educators and advocating for students. He lives in Minnesota with his family and their very large dog—just a little too close to the Mall of America.

BACKGROUND READING

Tom's website, Instagram, LinkedIn

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