Essential Element Podcast

Today Christian has the special honor of speaking with Steve and Sunny Cairns, two founding members and teachers of SOTA and considered the Ma and Pa of SOTA. They share stories from the very first days of SOTA, the speed bumps and emotions involved in building up a new school, and what the guiding principles were at the start and how they are still around today. 

Featuring original music from SOTA Graduates Abbey Meysenburg and Ellia Coggins.

Visit elementsofed.org for more information.

Today Christian talks with Elements Board President and long time community member Michael McGavock. Micheal helps shape what education looks like at elementary schools as well as getting involved first hand by being an internship host and helping students find unique opportunities. 

Featuring original music from SOTA Graduates Abbey Meysenburg and Ellia Coggins.

Visit elementsofed.org for more information.

In this special episode Christian and Zach take a back seat so we can hear stories from four SOTA alumni who are now teachers at either SOTA, SAMI, or IDEA. They share their stories about the impacts being a SOTA student had on them, about their journey back into the Elements community, and why they believe the mentor framework at Partners schools is important.

This week Christian has SOTA Theater Director and Mentor Kay Onorati on to talk about self discovery. Kay shares about how she’s seen art and mentorship help students to discover and grow themselves while also building community. 

Curious about references made during the episode? Learn more:

Uri Treisman and the Treisman model: https://merit.illinois.edu/for-educators/the-treismans-model/

Blackfeet's version of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: https://www.resilience.org/stories/2021-06-18/the-blackfoot-wisdom-that-inspired-maslows-hierarchy/

Featuring original music from SOTA Graduates Abbey Meysenburg and Ellia Coggins.

Visit elementsofed.org for more information.

This week Christian invites SOTA social worker and long time friend Steve Primas to talk about emotions in the classroom and the community. Steve talks about social emotional learning, how to engage families and the community, and why students have to be well to do well. 

Featuring original music from SOTA Graduates Abbey Meysenburg and Ellia Coggins.

Visit elementsofed.org for more information.

Christian invites IDEA CoDirector and NextMove program coordinator Brittany Skobel on to talk about how mentorship and relationships can extend into the community outside of school and how students in NextMove grow from interning with businesses in their community.

Featuring original music from SOTA Graduates Abbey Meysenburg and Ellia Coggins.

Visit elementsofed.org for more information.

This week Zach shares about a new graduation pathway being proposed for Washington States graduation requirements, its goals to meets students needs for the future, and how it plays in with Element's mentorship program.

Featuring original music from SOTA Graduates Abbey Meysenburg and Ellia Coggins.

Visit elementsofed.org for more information.

Today Christian sits across from Melissa Moffett, current NextMove Coordinator at IDEA, previous SOTA teacher and mentor, service and study tour leader, and so much more! Melissa talks about the importance of understanding students and their interests, building their strengths in those interests, and how service tours and internships can tie interests to the real world.

Featuring original music from SOTA Graduates Abbey Meysenburg and Ellia Coggins.

Visit elementsofed.org for more information.

Today Christian speaks with SOTA’s special education teacher Zach Hightower. Zach talks about diversity and equity, about what inclusion in the classroom looks like, and the benefits it offers to everyone involved.

Featuring original music from SOTA Graduates Abbey Meysenburg and Ellia Coggins.

Visit elementsofed.org for more information.

Today Christian digs deep with long time mentor and SAMI Co Director, Liz Minks. Liz has been involved with the Elements schools since the early days of SOTA. She shares about some of the backstory of the current mentorship students of SOTA SAMI and IDEA experience today and balancing relationships and performance.

Featuring original music from SOTA Graduates Abbey Meysenburg and Ellia Coggins.

Visit elementsofed.org for more information.