Ed Soul

In this episode, we talk with social studies leaders Sung Ja Shin (Minnesota Humanities Center) and Brittany Rawson Haeg (Minnesota Department of Education) about the key shifts in Minnesota’s updated social studies standards and the broader review/revision process behind them. We dig into what’s meaningfully different in this set of standards, when they go into effect, and what K–12 educators can expect. While there’s no perfect crosswalk from the former to the new, we have you covered with resources and strategies to get you started without feeling overwhelmed. 

Resources and ideas from this episode: 

• Minnesota Council for the Social Studies - Home 
• Social Studies Standards Implementation (Learning Progressions K-12) 
• PZ Thinking Routines | Project Zero
  • Inquiry Rubric EN - Jul2020 FINAL.pdf
• Why Nell Duke Believes Science and Social Studies are Essential to Literacy | The Bulletin
• C3 Framework for Social Studies Standards
  • Inquiry Design Model
  • C3 Teachers
• Library of Congress Catalog | Library of Congress
• Membership | Minnesota Historical Society
• Homepage - Minnesota Humanities Center
  • Events from February 24 – April 23 – Minnesota Humanities Center
  • Immersive Experiences - Minnesota Humanities Center
• Watch The Toys That Made Us | Netflix Official Site
• Why Learn History: (When It's Already on Your Phone) by Sam Wineburg | Goodreads 
• https://www.mnhum.org/program/minnesota-center-for-social-studies-education/

In the Sourcewell region? Register for our upcoming Social Studies training with Brittany and Sung Ja! Social Studies Standards: Inquiry & Interdisciplinary Shifts | Sourcewell 

Ed Soul Podcast Credit | Sourcewell

Find more educational resources by topic at https://www.mn.sourcewell.org/education/podcast

Learn more about upcoming trainings and events for educators at www.mn.sourcewell.org/education

In this episode, keynote speaker and author John Garrett explores what it means to challenge “traditional professionalism” and create workplaces where people can bring more of their full selves to work. We discuss the core ideas behind his award-winning book What’s Your And? and what choosing humanity, passion, and purpose can look like in schools for teachers, staff, and leaders. John shares practical examples and addresses common hesitations—like wanting to keep work and personal life separate—while offering a tangible first step leaders can take to build a more inclusive, engaged culture. 

Resources and ideas from this episode: 

• Learn more about and connect with John 
• What's Your "And"? Book — John Garrett
• Making Sure Each Child Is Known | Edutopia
• Ram Dass Becoming Nobody - Official Film Home Page - 2026 

Are you a regional leader in the Sourcewell area and looking for a way to see John in person at the Leadership Retreat? Reach out to [email protected]  

Ed Soul Podcast Credit | Sourcewell

Find more educational resources by topic at https://www.mn.sourcewell.org/education/podcast

Learn more about upcoming trainings and events for educators at www.mn.sourcewell.org/education

This episode of Ed Soul, is the third and final episode in our Career and College Readiness series. Hear from awardwinning educator Randy Thompson and his students as they share what academic and career planning looks like in practice. The conversation explores how a CCR approach feels different for both teachers and students, how it impacts students’ readiness for life after high school, and how personal interests intersect with regional, state, and national workforce needs. Together, they reflect on emerging trends in student decision-making and offer practical advice for schools looking to strengthen their academic and career planning systems. 

Resources and ideas from this episode:

• Visible Learning: Hattie, John: 8601404531293: Amazon.com: Books
• The Bible Recap | Read, Understand & Love the Bible in 365 Days
• Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark | Goodreads
• What Makes a Girl a Girl - EP by Esha Tewari | Spotify
• Millionaire Mission: A 9-Step System to Level Up Your Finances and Build Wealth by Brian Preston, Hardcover | Barnes & Noble®
• The Money Guy Show | Money Guy
• Sweet Land – Minnesota Historical Society
• Rachel’s addition: Red River of the North Series (Books 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) An Untamed Land; A New Day Rising; A Land to Call Home; The Reapers' Song; Tender Mercies; Blessing in Disguise (Red River of the North, Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6): Lauraine Snelling: Amazon.com: Book 

Ed Soul Podcast Credit | Sourcewell

Find more educational resources by topic at https://www.mn.sourcewell.org/education/podcast

Learn more about upcoming trainings and events for educators at www.mn.sourcewell.org/education

In this episode of Ed Soul, we continue our Career and College Readiness series by exploring the vital role of partnerships between PreK–12 schools, higher education, and industry. Dr. Norman from Central Lakes College and Kathy Cottew from Essentia Health share insights on what effective school–partner collaborations look like and how these relationships can be mutually beneficial. The conversation also tackles the balance between student interests and workforce needs, emphasizing the importance of avoiding one-size-fits-all pathways. Leave with practical advice and clear first steps for building meaningful, sustainable partnerships that support students beyond graduation. 

Resources and ideas from this episode:

• Transfer Playbook - Aspen Institute
• The Workforce Playbook - Aspen Institute
• Eight Strategies to Strengthen the Value of Community College Credentials | College Excellence Program
• The Power of People — Dr Verna Cornelia Price
• Virtual Career Day | Minnesota Hospital Association
• Bridges Career Exploration Day at CLC 
• Summer Health Care Day Camp

Extensions and connections:

• Interested in learning more about Community Bridgemakers? Reach out to [email protected]
• For more resources on this topic check out Matching Post-Secondary Goals to Workforce Trends with Luke Greiner

Ed Soul Podcast Credit | Sourcewell

Find more educational resources by topic at https://www.mn.sourcewell.org/education/podcast

Learn more about upcoming trainings and events for educators at www.mn.sourcewell.org/education

In this episode of Ed Soul, we kick off a three-part Career and College Readiness series with administrative leader, Principal Amie Westberg, and Sourcewell Director of Career and College Readiness, Dr. Maggie Velasco, exploring what it truly means to lead career-connected learning from a systems-level perspective. Amie Westberg unpacks key CCR terminology, including work-based learning and CTSOs, and shares how leadership decisions around scheduling, course offerings, and culture create the conditions for rigorous, future-focused learning. The conversation also highlights the importance of industry partnerships and student, family, and community voice in building pathways that engage learners and prepare them for what’s next.

Resources and ideas from this episode:

• The Lost Symbol: Dan Brown
• Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City
• Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America
• The Writing Revolution 2.0: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades:  Hochman, Judith C., Wexler, Natalie, Maloney, Kathleen, Lemov, Doug: Books
• The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Warbler Classics) (Hercule Poirot Mystery): Christie, Agatha
• Home | Brandon Sanderson
• Jocko Podcast – Leadership and Discipline
• WARRIOR KID Book Series – Echelon Front

Ed Soul Podcast Credit | Sourcewell

Find more educational resources by topic at https://www.mn.sourcewell.org/education/podcast

Learn more about upcoming trainings and events for educators at www.mn.sourcewell.org/education

This episode dives into modern, student-centered grammar instruction with author and grammarian Patty McGee. The conversation explores what it truly means to study grammar versus simply identifying it. We highlight insights from her new book Not Your Granny’s Grammar, and unpack myths tied to traditional “granny grammar.” 

 Resources and ideas from this episode:

• Amazon.com: Not Your Granny’s Grammar: An Innovative Approach to Meaningful and Engaging Grammar Instruction: 9781071941676: McGee, Patricia Grawehr, Donohue, Timothy J: Books 
• About | Patty McGee | National Literacy Consultant 
• Resource samples from Patty! 
• Theo of Golden book by Allen Levi 
• The Pitt | Official Trailer | Max 
• Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy | Goodreads 
• Returning To Myself - Album by Brandi Carlile | Spotify

Ed Soul Podcast Credit | Sourcewell

Find more educational resources by topic at https://www.mn.sourcewell.org/education/podcast

Learn more about upcoming trainings and events for educators at www.mn.sourcewell.org/education

This episode of Ed Soul explores what it truly means to build data and assessment literacy alongside COMPASS specialists Erin Potter and Jessica Rice. Together, they unpack the similarities and differences between data and assessment, clarify common misconceptions, and break down the wide range of data educators encounter—from statewide metrics to classroom observations. They also dive into assessment types and ways students can authentically show their learning, offering practical entry points for educators, students, and families.

Resources and ideas from this episode:

• Information on Student Agency in Learning (SAIL), Data and Assessment Literacy Modules, and Data Decision Making Modules visit: Data and Assessment Literacy
• GOLD-Tech-Summary-8-18-2011.pdf
• Street Data by Shane Safir and Jamila Dugan and video: Street Data: A Next-Generation Model for Equity, Pedagogy, and School Transformation
• TIPS from the national PBIS website and Midwest PBIS Network - TIPS Meeting Process
• Building to Impact
• The Practice of Adaptive Leadership: Tools and Tactics for Changing Your Organization and the World: Heifetz, Ronald A., Linsky, Marty, Grashow, Alexander: 9781422105764: Amazon.com: Books
• Throne of Glass - Sarah J. Maas
• Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller | Goodreads

Ed Soul Podcast Credit | Sourcewell

Find more educational resources by topic at https://www.mn.sourcewell.org/education/podcast

Learn more about upcoming trainings and events for educators at www.mn.sourcewell.org/education

 This episode of Ed Soul explores what truly shapes a positive school culture and climate with COMPASS specialist Megan Perry. Together, we unpack the differences between climate and culture, what healthy staff experiences look like, and how those internal conditions connect to student success. Megan also highlights the conditions that help students, families, and communities feel valued—and offers practical advice for sustaining positive environments over time. 

 Resources and ideas from this episode: 

• Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators: Aguilar, Elena: Amazon.com: Books
• COMPASS resources including Pathways PD options 
• The Bright Morning Podcast with Elena Aguila 

Ed Soul Podcast Credit | Sourcewell

Find more educational resources by topic at https://www.mn.sourcewell.org/education/podcast

Learn more about upcoming trainings and events for educators at www.mn.sourcewell.org/education

This episode explores the growing presence and importance of multilingual students and families in schools. We clarify key distinctions, address common misconceptions, and share up to date terminology for best supporting our multilingual learners. The conversation covers identification, the responsibilities for providing support, and strategies for schools with limited resources, emphasizing the inclusion of families in the support process. Learn practical advice for general education teachers, accessible strategies to support multilingual students, and ways to shift mindsets to recognize multilingualism as a classroom asset rather than a challenge.

 Resources and ideas from this episode:

• Project Momentum
• Talking Points

Ed Soul Podcast Credit | Sourcewell

Find more educational resources by topic at https://www.mn.sourcewell.org/education/podcast

Learn more about upcoming trainings and events for educators at www.mn.sourcewell.org/education

This episode features specialists Jodi Altringer, Kayla Awolope, and Amy Krueger, who discuss the partnership between general and special education teachers in early childhood and primary years. The conversation explores early intervention and strategies for supporting all students. Guests share personal motivations, favorite success stories, and insights on what they wish colleagues understood about each other’s roles.  

Resources and ideas from this episode: 

• MN Help Me Grow 
• Strong Ground - Brené Brown 
• Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors - Robyn Gobbel 
• The Anxious Generation Out Now. Order the Book. 
• Watch Out of My Mind | Disney+ 
• The Inclusion Podcast | Dr. Julie Causton & Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak 
• About Us • Inclusive Schooling 
• Becoming Better Grownups: https://montagueworkshop.com/book 
• Challenging to Connected: https://www.challengingtoconnected.com/ 
• Shelly Moore (Bowling/Teaching): Transforming Inclusive Education 

Ed Soul Podcast Credit | Sourcewell

Find more educational resources by topic at https://www.mn.sourcewell.org/education/podcast

Learn more about upcoming trainings and events for educators at www.mn.sourcewell.org/education