Educator Wellness Podcast

A rejuvenating conversation all about the power of outdoor education! Dr. Kari Vogelgesang hosts Dr. Angela Rekers, assistant professor at St. Ambrose University, and Jay Gorsh, director of the University of Iowa’s School of the Wild, to discuss the social, emotional, and mental health benefits of outdoor education for our students, educators, and education systems as a whole. Learn how to get nature-based programs started at your school or tips on integrating outdoor learning into your classroom. 

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In today's digitally-driven world, social media and technology play an integral role in our students' lives. But what happens when tech use becomes excessive, unhealthy, or detrimentally affects our students’ emotional and mental health? Host Dr. Kari Vogelgesang welcomes Dr. Jacqueline Nesi, a psychologist and assistant professor at Brown University, to explore the latest research, healthy ways to incorporate it into our lives and classrooms, and safeguards that both educators and parents should consider as they navigate this complex topic. 

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In today's interconnected world, global citizenship is an indispensable skill set for understanding differences and analyzing local realities through a critical lens. Dr. Kari Vogelgesang hosts a compelling discussion with Dr. Will Coghill Behrends, Amy Andreassen, and Monique Cottman on how we can leverage global education as a powerful tool for establishing nurturing education systems for all. Uncover innovative ways to integrate global education best practices in the classroom that enable both educators and students to develop the knowledge and skills needed to thrive.

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In this episode of the Educator Wellness Podcast, host Dr. Kari Vogelgesang welcomes Dr. Justin Garwood, associate professor at the University of Vermont, to discuss the difference between self-contained classrooms and full inclusion for special education students. We unpack why full inclusion isn’t necessarily the best choice for all students and how different learning environments impact the well-being of not just students but their families and educators.

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Substance abuse is a serious issue in our schools and communities. The statistics are alarming. Drug use among 8th graders from 2016-2020 increased by 61%; 62% of teens in 12th grade have abused alcohol; and 11% of overdose deaths are aged 15-24.

Host Dr. Kari Vogelgesang welcomes Jeffrey Johnston (founder of Living Undeterred) and Drew Martel (chief clinical and training officer at Foundation 2), for a powerful conversation about the effects that substance abuse has on the brains and bodies of children and adults. During this episode, tough questions are asked and powerful stories are shared, as we unpack how substance abuse affects our relationships, our students, and our schools. 

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Emotional intelligence is more than just a buzzword. It is at the heart of effective human interactions, including those with our students, co-workers, friends, and family. Host Dr. Kari Vogelgesang welcomes Dr. Erika Bocknek, a university professor, family therapist, and mom of 3, to discuss how emotional intelligence impacts our lives, and how by better understanding it, we can create harmonious and enriching educational environments. Also, Dr. Bocknek shares practical tips for emotional intelligence skill-building and the positive ripple effect it has on the lives of those we teach. 

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Challenging behaviors in K-12 classrooms have increased in frequency and intensity over the last few years. Host Dr. Kari Vogelgesang welcomes Dr. Allison Bruhn, professor of special education and executive director of the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health at the University of Iowa, to discuss what challenging behaviors are, who is at fault, and how we can work toward more supportive learning environments for both educators and students.

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A special episode recorded in front of a live audience! Host Dr. Kari Vogelgesang welcomes distinguished guests - Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts, the 2019 National Teacher of the Year Rodney Robinson, and the 2018 Iowa School Counselor of the Year Shelby Bryce - to the 2023 Iowa BEST Summit stage. 
 
Join us for an enlightening conversation about the importance of caring for our educators, ideas for building school communities and classrooms of belonging, and how our complex education system can shift to better support educators, students, and families. 

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During this episode, Dr. Ilana Nankin, CEO and Founder, Breathe for Change,  joins me in a conversation that offers information and practices for us to prioritize wellness and move into a space of personal harmony – which includes balancing the 8-dimensions of wellness. 

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During this episode, Craig N. Sawchuk, Ph.D., L.P., Chair, Division of Integrated Behavioral Health, Department of Psychiatry & Psychology at Mayo Clinic, joins me to engage in a discussion that will guide/encourage participants to think about what environmental wellness is and how it impacts their daily lives and well-being.

Environmental wellness encompasses not just your relationship with the planet and nature, but your relationship with your personal surroundings. When our personal surroundings are cared for, clean, and organized, we can experience greater comfort and less anxiety. In addition, this dimension of wellness involves being and feeling physically safe, in both our micro-environment (places we live, learn, work, etc.) and our macro-environment (our country, community, and the whole planet).

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