Educator Wellness Podcast

As schools begin a new year, students and educators are searching for connection, identity, and community. This episode explores the importance of “third spaces” beyond home and school and why libraries, youth organizations, and community gathering places may matter more than ever for student mental health, belonging, and civic engagement. The conversation will challenge listeners to rethink where meaningful learning and development actually happen. 

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In this episode, Jon Solomon, the community and impact director of the Sports and Society Program at the Aspen Institute, joins Kari for a thought-provoking discussion about the far-reaching impact of sports and physical activities on youth mental wellness. This episode sheds light on the crucial role of coaches and educators in recognizing mental health challenges and creating supportive environments for all students. Uncover how physical activity can be a powerful tool for fostering empathy and overall well-being in students and tips for creating spaces where every young person feels valued and empowered through movement.

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Have you experienced burnout? How do you work through it? Dr. Christina Maslach, leading burnout expert and author, chats with Kari about six key chronic job stressors and how educators can recognize the early signs of burnout in themselves and others. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed at work or looking to create a healthier, more balanced professional life.

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Dr. Marlene Schwartz, director of the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health, joins Kari to discuss the critical role school nutrition programs play in the well-being of students, how schools and districts can advocate for better programs, and practical strategies for implementing improvements. Tune in to learn how you can be part of the movement to nourish our students' bodies and minds, setting them up for a healthier, more successful future. Join us as we dive into how we nourish to flourish!

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Building strong family-educator relationships is vital to healthy learning environments. Megan Olivia Hall, STEM educator and social emotional lead teacher at Open World Learning Community in St. Paul Public Schools, sits down with Kari to discuss proactive things educators can do to build more positive, collaborative relationships with parents. As both an educator and parent, Megan offers unique strategies to strengthen parent-teacher connections that result in more supportive and enriching learning environments for students. Join us for a compelling conversation as we unpack how to form these relationships, how they impact student learning, and more.

Access the full transcript: bit.ly/EWPTranscript_3E5

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Visit our website: https://scsmh.education.uiowa.edu

Recent research has found evidence that loneliness has detrimental effects on both our mental and physical health. Join Kari and expert Jillian Racoosin, executive director of the Foundation for Social Connection, as they unpack the crucial role that social connection plays in fostering a healthier, happier life. Discover how educators can foster meaningful relationships, improve student mental health, and create more connected learning environments. Learn practical tips to build your own "connection muscle" and transform your classroom into a hub of social engagement.

Access the full episode transcript: https://bit.ly/EWPTranscript_3E4 

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Visit our website: https://scsmh.education.uiowa.edu

Why aren’t students coming to school and what can educators do about it? Dr. Carolyn Gentle-Genitty, a renowned expert on school avoidance with over 25 years of experience in higher education, joins Kari to unpack this hot button issue. Learn why developmental factors play a larger role than you might expect, the root causes of school avoidance, how the pandemic reshaped attendance norms, and innovative approaches schools are using to tackle this urgent issue.

Access the full episode transcript: https://bit.ly/EWPTranscript_3E3 

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Visit our website: https://scsmh.education.uiowa.edu

In this episode, explore the ripple effects of policy changes, social media, and evolving communication norms through the eyes of passionate educators. Kari talks with the dynamic husband-wife duo Myles and Haley Finn from Indianola, Iowa. Haley, a middle school counselor, and Myles, a high school vocal teacher and TikTok influencer (@itsmrfinn) with 1M+ followers, offer valuable insights into the complexities of teaching in today's world and how to harness your authentic self as an educator.

Access the full episode transcript: https://bit.ly/EWPTranscript_3E2 

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Visit our website: https://scsmh.education.uiowa.edu

Andrea Forcum – (better known as Educator Andrea) – makes educators feel seen. With 1M+ followers on TikTok and Instagram, Andrea is widely admired for down-to-earth videos that lean into the chaos of teaching.  In this episode, Andrea sits down with Kari to explore the critical issues facing today's educators.

Together, they passionately advocate for teachers and students, discussing how collective action can transform our schools and drive meaningful change. This inspiring conversation will leave you energized and ready to take action in support of our K-12 schools.

Access the full episode transcript: https://bit.ly/EWPTranscript_3E1

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Visit our website: https://scsmh.education.uiowa.edu

Dr. Kari Vogelgesang hosts the University of California Santa Barbara’s Dr. Michael Furlong (research professor and distinguished professor emeritus of school psychology) and Dr. Erin Dowdy (professor in the department of counseling, clinical, and school psychology) to rethink Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) as a holistic well-being framework that benefits the entire school community. During this conversation, we broaden the scope of MTSS and reassess the framework's foundational 'why' while unpacking how a reconceptualized approach can contribute to the flourishing of student well-being.

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Visit our website: https://scsmh.education.uiowa.edu