Falling for Learning Podcast

In this episode, educator and author Andratesha Fritzgerald shares her inspiring journey of integrating anti-racism with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to transform educational spaces into liberating environments for all students. Gain insights into how community, belief in student brilliance, and strategic advocacy shape equitable learning.

• Fritzgerald’s personal motivation rooted in legacy and community advocacy
• The origins and purpose of her book, Anti-Racism and Universal Design for Learning
• How Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can be a tool for liberation and equity
• Strategies for parents and educators to advocate for inclusive, supportive learning environments
• The importance of fostering student agency and self-advocacy
• Practical tips for implementing UDL principles at home and in classrooms
• The evolving landscape of anti-racism efforts in education and society
• Upcoming resources and projects in Fritzgerald’s work, including trauma-informed and anti-racist frameworks

00:00 - Embracing advocacy and the power of seed planting in education
00:29 - The role of students leading protests and personal advocacy journey
01:20 - Guest introduction: Andretisha Fritzgerald’s background and work
02:05 - What drew Fritzgerald into education as a child
04:22 - Origin and purpose of her book, Anti-Racism and Universal Design for Learning
04:39 - The scientific and liberating roots of UDL
05:08 - Writing struggles and the catalyst of societal upheaval in 2020
07:04 - Collaborations with impactful figures like Samaria Rice
07:38 - The importance of integrating anti-racism into everyday educational practices
08:09 - Fritzgerald’s educational path: from engineering to English and beyond
10:47 - The significance of community and connection for under-represented groups
11:15 - The impact of English, women’s studies, and educational leadership studies on her approach
12:14 - Her perspective on lifelong learning and her children’s love for languages
13:01 - Parenting experiences and fostering language development
BuildingBlocksOfBrilliance.com
15:22 - Advice for parents supporting children’s learning through UDL principles
17:12 - Preparing children for future success by building their confidence and independence
19:29 - The importance of self-compassion for parents and guardians
22:04 - Mistakes to avoid: over-controlling and under-trusting children’s abilities
28:04 - Starting points for parents reading Anti-Racism and Universal Design for Learning

• Building Blocks of Brilliance
• Follow Andratesha Fritzgerald on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

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Join us in this episode as Blain Watson, a seasoned educator, school leader, and parent, shares invaluable insights on how parents can actively support their children's academic and social-emotional development. Discover practical strategies rooted in research and personal experience to create a strong supportive environment for learning and growth.

Main Topics: 

• The importance of building a supportive village around children and the concept of a 'critical mass' of influential adults
• Key frameworks like the 40 Developmental Assets for nurturing well-rounded kids
• How to engage actively with school staff and systems to ensure your child's success 
• Practical questions parents should ask about curriculum, school culture, and social-emotional supports
• Strategies for advocating for your child, including understanding curriculum mastery and support systems

Resources & Links:

• Blain Watson on Twitter

• Blain Watson on Facebook

Join Our Live Wednesdays:

• Instagram Live, every Wednesday, 5:30 - 6:00 PM, to get your questions answered about fostering learning and success in your children.

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We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
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Discover practical strategies to motivate your middle school child to read regularly and improve their reading skills, especially in the aftermath of disruptions like the pandemic. This episode emphasizes fostering a positive reading environment, selecting engaging texts, and establishing consistent routines to build confidence and love for reading.

Main topics:
Understanding and defining reading levels (independent, instructional, frustration)
Strategies to make reading relevant, fun, and interest-based
Tips for scheduling and building a positive reading routine
How to assess your child's current reading level
Addressing negative attitudes toward reading and resetting their relationship with books

In this episode:
The importance of matching reading materials to your child's independent reading level
How to identify if your child is reading at, below, or above grade level
Ways to make reading relevant and engaging based on your child's interests (sports, business, health, etc.)
The significance of creating a dedicated and comfortable reading environment
Practical tips for establishing a consistent reading schedule
Resources for assessing and tracking reading levels, including online tools like NewsElla, IXL, ReadWorks, CommonLit.org
How parental attitude and environment influence a child's reading habits
Encouragement to be patient and persistent in guiding your child's reading journey

Resources:
NewsELA – Customized leveled reading texts
IXL – Diagnostic and skill practice for reading levels
ReadWorks – Reading comprehension resources and assessments
CommonLit.org – Free leveled reading passages

Connect with TD Flenaugh:
YouTube - Falling for Learning

Let's help our children fall in love with reading by making it relevant, routine, and positive!

Support the show

We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
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In this episode of Falling for Learning Podcast , T.D. Flenaugh dives into the core reasons why traditional schooling methods fail to engage teens and how innovative approaches can reignite their passion for learning. This episode is packed with actionable insights and practical strategies for parents, educators, and advocates to help transform the educational experience for teens.

Points of Discussion

1. Problems with Traditional Schools

2. Project-Based Learning (PBL)

  - Success stories: Watch our interview that features Social Justice Learning Institute’s impact on youth -  SJLI Interview with Derek Steele - 

https://youtu.be/Nr3aFlE4e_g?feature=shared

3. Maker Spaces and Maker Labs

4. Interdisciplinary Learning

5. Passion Projects and Independent Research

6. Alternative Assessments and Grading

Support the show

We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.

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Summer is upon us! Take your children to the library! Dr. Eno Attah, a school librarian with a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership, discusses the transformative power of libraries. She highlights her journey from a Nigerian American background, influenced by PBS and her community, to becoming an educator. Dr. Attah emphasizes libraries' role as safe spaces offering resources beyond books, such as hotspots, calculators, and Chromebooks. She advocates for parents to leverage librarians as allies in supporting their children's interests and passions. Dr. Attah also shares her experience transitioning from teaching to librarianship and the diverse roles librarians play in connecting people with resources and passions.

Support the show

We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
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Celebrating Teachers and Supporting Student Success: A Personal Reflection

In this episode, TD Flenaugh shares heartfelt stories and lessons about the importance of teachers in shaping lives, from elementary school to college. It’s a call to recognize ongoing teacher appreciation, foster collaboration, and empower parents and students alike to create environments for success.Key Topics:

• The lasting impact of inspiring teachers like Ms. Byler, Ms. Corr, Ms. Nelson,  and Mr. Beu.

• Practical strategies for students and parents to cultivate meaningful relationships with teachers.

• Lessons in writing, resilience, and navigating educational pathways from elementary to college.

• The importance of affirming potential, self-care, and growth mindset in education.

• Addressing current challenges faced by teachers and proposing ways to support their vital role.

• The significance of community collaboration in fostering student achievement.

• Reflection on personal experiences that highlight the power of intentionality, kindness, and advocacy in education.

• Encouragement to honor teachers beyond one week and to appreciate their contributions year-round.

 Resources & Links:

• The Rewrite Method

• Little Mobile Home on the Tundra

Connect with TD Flenaugh:

• Instagram

Let's honor our teachers every day and support their critical role in shaping our futures.

Support the show

We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
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Join us for a special Teacher Appreciation Week episode where I share personal stories about the teachers who shaped our futures. This teacher story dives into memorable classroom stories, offering insights into effective education. We also provide tips on how to identify a good teacher and collaborate effectively for student success, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in supporting strong teachers to guide children. 

Support the show

We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
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Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/
https://linktr.ee/falling4learning

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What if there was a way to personalized learning that actually works? Benita Gordon, an education strategist and micro school pioneer, reveals how innovative schooling models can transform your child's success and happiness.

This episode dives into the world of micro schools—what they are, how they differ from traditional and homeschool settings, and why they might be the best fit for your child. Benita shares her journey from public school teacher to founder of a micro school, offering concrete examples of how personalized, project-based, and trauma-informed education creates engaged, motivated students. You'll discover how micro schools leverage the principles of small class sizes, flexible schedules, and tailored curricula to meet diverse learning needs.

Perfect for curious parents, educators exploring new models, or community leaders advocating for change, this episode unlocks the potential of micro schools to revolutionize learning. Join us and learn how you can be part of the movement creating more inclusive, customized, and effective education options—because every child deserves a space to thrive.

In a broader context, this episode emphasizes the critical need for educational choice in our current landscape. Whether your child is disengaged, needs a flexible schedule, or has specific learning challenges, micro schools can offer a viable, scalable solution. With actionable tips for parents and advocates, Benita empowers listeners to seek alternatives that truly serve the child’s best interests—not just conformity or standardized metrics.

Benita Gordon is an innovative education strategist, founder of Global Education Concierge, and a leader in the micro school movement. Her decades of experience in public education and community-driven school models fuel her mission to expand access to personalized learning.

If you're ready to rethink education and discover the future of schooling tailored for every child, this episode is essential listening. Empower yourself with practical insights and inspiration to make a difference today.

Support the show

We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
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This episode was recorded during the ongoing negotiations between LAUSD and UTLA, highlighting how teacher salaries, working conditions, and district funding directly affect classroom quality and student success. 

UPDATE - Strike was averted! Teachers ratified the agreement as of April 24, 2026!

Featuring insights from union leader James Riley, we explore key challenges faced by educators and what parents need to know.

Key topics:

• The upcoming LAUSD teacher strike: causes and implications
• Teacher salary issues and high turnover rates within 5 years
• The importance of parental support and informed advocacy
• The impact of low wages on teacher burnout and classroom quality
• Excessive testing and its effect on instruction and student engagement
• District spending priorities: private contracts vs. student resources
• Underfunding of essential school support staff like counselors and custodians
• Challenges in special education and class size ratios
• The role of outside vendors and privatization of school services
• How district funding choices influence educational equity and student outcomes

Support the show

We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
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Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/
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Making Movement and Purpose Central in Education and Parenting
In this episode, Lauren Moseley and TD Flenaugh delve into how incorporating movement, understanding identity, purpose, and providing direction can transform how we support children’s success. Emphasizing intentionality, community, and practical activities, they highlight strategies to nurture well-rounded, confident learners and leaders.

Resources:
Coach Cory Martin YouTube Channel
GoNoodle Movement Activities
Phonics Man on YouTube (Sample Movement Phonics)
Rufo the Kangaroo Instagram
The Little Mobile Home on the Tundra by TD Flenaugh
The Civil Rights Movement Children's Books

Key Topics:

• The importance of movement in learning and how it enhances engagement and cognition
• The role of storytelling, family traditions, and community in shaping identity
• Supporting kids in discovering their purpose through diverse experiences and self-awareness
• Balancing technology use with physical activity to promote overall well-being and prevent excessive screen time
• How educators and parents can collaborate to build a village of support and positive guidance
• Critical reflection on the limitations of tech's role and the importance of hands-on, real-world experiences

Support the show

We drop new episodes every Saturday at 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
Follow us:
Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/fallingforlearning/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fallingforlearning/
https://linktr.ee/falling4learning