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Love Is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion
Love Is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion episodes
- Season 3 Episode 5: What Are The Ingredients For a High-Quality Inclusive School?
April begins with one non-negotiable: BEEP considers the student first and the resources second. That commitment requires the program to build teams with outside specialists, prepare children for kindergarten, and support the adults doing the work. Episode five follows those relationships into staff compensation, benefits, governance, retention, and connections that extend throughout the Bayfield community. When April, Stephanie, Julia, Colleen, and Lauren identify BEEP’s “ingredients,” they describe respect, trust, communication, knowledge, professional judgment, voice, and shared responsibility. Together, their stories suggest that inclusion does not come from reproducing another program’s practices but from creating the conditions in which people can contribute to what happens next.
Chapters- 00:00 — Student first, resources second
- 01:39 — Building teams beyond the program
- 03:21 — Including and supporting adults
- 04:41 — Carrying knowledge into kindergarten
- 07:27 — Retention, compensation, and governance
- 12:23 — Families and community as resources
- 14:28 — Naming BEEP’s ingredients
- 18:28 — A program shaped across generations
- 19:36 — Replicating practices or supporting growth
- 22:32 — What has already been growing here?
Learn more about the Growth Model for Inclusion Course and other trainings at heartsetandmindset.org. Contact Dr. Andrew Goff at [email protected].
26 min - Season 3 Episode 4: What Counts As Evidence
Colorado Shines evaluates its view of quality at BEEP. The overall score was good, but its classroom observations, where the work matters most, revealed the limits of what an outside observer could document during a brief visit. Staff discussed the gaps between the standard measures of quality and high-quality, meaningful inclusion. The episode then follows BEEP’s curriculum and assessment decisions, where professional judgment involves interpreting what each source of evidence contributes within a particular context.
Chapters- 00:00 — Waiting, independence, and adult action
- 02:36 — Colorado Shines and competing evidence
- 08:01 — Preparing for an ECERS observation
- 11:30 — Building curriculum from multiple sources
- 16:06 — Planning for what happens “ish”
- 17:14 — Choosing an assessment system
- 18:40 — Observation, relationships, and professional judgment
- 21:01 — What makes educational decisions possible
Learn more about the Growth Model for Inclusion Course and other trainings at heartsetandmindset.org. Contact Dr. Andrew Goff through heartsetandmindset.org/contact.
25 min - Season 3 Episode 3: Hire the Person, Not the Position
At the Bayfield Early Education Program (BEEP), staff members are not interchangeable. Some bring decades of classroom experience. Others arrive with few formal credentials but with patience, commitment, and a willingness to learn. Teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators hold different responsibilities, yet knowledge and ideas move across those roles.
In Episode 3, Stephanie, Colleen, Julia, and April describe how BEEP’s staff learn to work through differences in experience, personality, and authority. Their stories reveal that collaboration depends on more than hiring the right people. It requires time to reflect together, relationships in which uncertainty can be acknowledged, and structures that allow people to contribute while continuing to grow.
What appears from the outside as chemistry among staff is supported by intentional choices about hiring, mentorship, co-teaching, communication, and shared decision-making. Together, these choices help explain how responsibility for inclusion can extend beyond a single educator or director and become part of a program’s culture.
Learn more about the podcast, the Growth Model for Inclusion, and early childhood trainings at heartsetandmindset.org.
00:00 Stress and Support 01:20 Episode Three Begins 03:51 Team Differences 05:12 Kids First Values 06:55 Collaboration Structures 08:36 Extra Adults Join 10:14 Stephanie Finds Voice 12:40 Communication Breakthrough 14:23 Julia Learns Teaching 15:37 Hayes Shapes Educator 17:06 Hire the Person 22:05 Paras Influence Plans 24:39 Families First Staffing 26:52 Beyond Depending April 29:56 Next Episode Tease 30:56 Thanks and Outro
33 min - Season 3 Episode 2: Making RoomIn episode two of Love Is A Classroom: Stories of Inclusion, Dr. Goff follows Lauren as she enrolls her son Hayes at the Bayfield Early Education Program (BEEP) and confronts the vulnerability of leaving Hayes, a child who can’t describe his day. Staff and therapists support Hayes’ difficult transition by meeting him in hallways, using sensory strategies, modifying schedules in minutes, and building communication through eye contact, hand leading, and tools like picture supports and a button. BEEP supports the whole family by arranging transportation, reducing stressful drop-offs, and coordinating consistency between home and school. Over time, Hayes increases classroom tolerance from 10 minutes to an hour and a half, participates with peers, and joins a walk to the park safely. The episode closes by previewing episode three’s focus on adult collaboration00:00 Trusting the Team01:06 Episode Two Begins02:11 First Day Transition04:11 Should We Send Him06:59 Transportation Game Changer10:02 Minutes Matter12:02 Breakthrough Communication15:07 Classroom Adapts16:32 All Hands Support18:07 Everything Is Ish19:42 Peers Become Classmates20:49 No Summer Break21:45 Summer Camp Routine23:51 Skills Transfer Home25:13 Second Year Growth27:00 Walking to the Park29:14 Making Room to Belong30:17 Looking Ahead31:47 Thanks and Resources32:52 Closing Credits34 min
- Season 3 Episode 1: Something Different
Why does Bayfield Early Education Program (BEEP) feel different? Dr. Andrew D.L. Goff begins his five-episode journey toward understanding what makes BEEP different from the other 79 programs he has visited in western Colorado over the past two years.
00:00 A Preschool Welcome
01:59 First Impressions Matter
03:16 Meet Dr Goff
03:53 Stephanie Joins During Covid
09:11 Learning Without Pressure
11:48 Julia Finds Her Place
14:26 The Real Work Begins 16:46 Searching for the Secret
18:12 Families First Culture
24:31 Peace Within Chaos
25:29 A Parent Needs Proof
26:31 Hayes Tour and Inclusion
29:22 Episode Wrap and Thanks.
31 min - Season 2 Episode 6: Inclusion and the Individuals with Disabilities Education ActIn this focused episode of 'Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion,' Vicky Brett and Amanda Selogie, special education attorneys and founders of the Inclusive Education Project, join me to discuss events in Series 2 and the importance of inclusive education for children with disabilities. We talk about Brooke's circumstances with Navee. My guests address the legal obligations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004, the challenges families face in securing appropriate support, and the powerful role teachers and parents play in advocating for inclusive environments. The episode highlights a real-world events, practical solutions, collaboration, and the societal impact of true inclusion in schools.00:00 Introduction to Inclusion and Legal Rights00:48 Meet the Experts: Vicky and Amanda01:47 Challenges in Inclusive Education02:28 Legal Framework and Parental Advocacy03:00 Personal Journeys into Special Education Law06:34 Navigating the IDEA and Legal Obligations11:01 Funding and Resource Allocation Issues14:19 Empowering Parents and Teachers21:29 Rethinking Educational Models31:19 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Contact Inclusive Education Project: https://www.inclusiveeducationproject.org/
Listen to the Inclusive Education Project podcast on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Contact me on YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram or email me at loveisaclassroom.com for more information on my work.
Thank you for listening!
Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode
If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show. It helps other listeners find this show.
34 min - Season 2 Episode 5: Navigating Deaf CultureThis episode of 'Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion' delves into the life of Navee, a 7-year-old deaf child, and her experiences in an inclusive setting. The show features insightful discussions with Wendy and Brooke about the cultural challenges of being a hearing family with a deaf child. They emphasize the distinct differences between English and American Sign Language (ASL), the importance of appropriate communication, and the need for unconditional inclusion. The episode also touches on the significance of creating accessible social experiences and the impact of cultural exposure on Navee's language development. Listen to Navee and her siblings, Holland and Carson, as they share their unique perspectives and experiences. The episode concludes by discussing the broader implications of inclusive education and the necessity of tailored support for deaf children.Watch the video recording of the episode at https://youtu.be/AtHGg3lvbyg00:00 Introduction and Misconceptions About Sign Language00:43 Welcome to Love is a Classroom01:27 Challenges of Podcasting with a Deaf Child01:46 Cultural Experiences of a Hearing Family with a Deaf Child02:26 Interpreting and Communication Tips03:22 Personal Stories and Experiences07:49 Inclusion and Communication in Daily Life10:30 Navee's Summer Camp and Family Friends13:30 Welcoming Navee, Holland, and Carson18:08 Navee's Interests and Activities20:36 Conclusion and Reflections on Inclusion
Contact me on social media or through my website for more information on my work: loveisaclassroom.com
Thank you for listening!
Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode
If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show. It helps other listeners find this show.
Follow me on YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram
23 min - Season 2 Episode 4: More Than an Interpreter
More Than an Interpreter
In fourth episode of the second series of 'Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion,' the focus is on Wendy Bowman, a sign language interpreter with over 30 years of experience. In the episode, she shares her perspective on Deaf culture, education, and the essential role of interpreters. Wendy discusses the challenges and successes of the inclusion of deaf children in general education settings, emphasizing the need for the right resources and support. She also highlights the impact of inclusion on both deaf and hearing students, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual understanding. The episode concludes with a reflection on the broader implications for the education system and a call to action for better support and advocacy for children with disabilities.
00:00 Introduction to Inclusive Education00:33 Navee's Journey and the Power of Inclusion01:25 Exploring Deaf Culture and Education with Wendy Bowman02:49 Challenges and Triumphs in Deaf Education04:10 The Importance of Early Language Development08:20 Navigating Public and Deaf School Systems19:11 Building Relationships and Inclusion in the Classroom26:57 Concluding Thoughts and Future ConsiderationsWendy Bowman: [email protected]
If you have a story you want to share, go to Loveisaclassroom.com/contact
Cover art by Josie Filippelli https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-filippelli/
30 min - Season 2 Episode 3: Navee's First Grade TeacherThe Transformative Power of Inclusion: Navee's First Grade TeacherIn this episode of 'Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion', Christy Anderson, a seasoned teacher with a background in Deaf Education, shares her experiences of creating an inclusive first-grade classroom. Highlighting the impact of her student Navee, who is deaf, Christy recounts how inclusion enriched the learning environment for all students. Through stories of shared learning and mutual support, Christy demonstrates the importance of inclusive education, the challenges posed by standardized tests for Deaf students, and the benefits of collaborative teaching. The episode emphasizes the potential of every child and the need for educators' dedication to fostering inclusive, high-quality learning experiences.00:00 Introduction and Impact of the Year00:22 Welcome to Love is a Classroom00:44 Recap of Previous Episodes01:23 Introducing Christy Anderson02:23 Navee's Inclusion Journey05:00 Impact on Other Students09:07 Challenges and Concerns11:24 Solutions and Future Vision18:59 Advice for Teachers24:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
If you have a story you want to share, go to Loveisaclassroom.com/contact
Cover art by Josie Filippelli https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-filippelli/
26 min - Season 2 Episode 2: Navee's Kindergarten TeachEmbracing Inclusion: A Teacher's Journey with a Deaf StudentIn this episode of 'Love is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion,' host Ms. Onofre, a seasoned kindergarten teacher, shares her candid experiences with including Navee Walker, a deaf student, into her classroom. Through heartfelt stories and practical insights, she discusses the challenges and triumphs of creating an inclusive environment, advocating for necessary support, and the profound impact of inclusion on both students and teachers. The episode highlights the importance of mindset, collaboration, and love in fostering a truly inclusive educational experience.00:00 Introduction to Inclusion01:07 Meet Ms. Onofre01:46 The Decision to Include Navee02:55 Preparing the Classroom07:01 Understanding Inclusion12:29 Support and Advocacy17:21 Welcoming Navee26:49 Creating Connections28:55 Reflections on Inclusion31:52 Conclusion and Next StepsFor more information on the heartset, mindset, and skillset go to https://www.inclusiveschooling.com/
If you have a story you want to share, go to Loveisaclassroom.com/contact
Cover art by Josie Filippelli https://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-filippelli/
33 min
About Love Is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion
From the publisher's feed
Love Is a Classroom: Stories of Inclusion is a podcast that aims to serve as a bridge for a more inclusive world. Through storytelling and conversation, each series illuminates the collective…
experience of individuals who strive to break down barriers and foster a more inclusive world for children with disabilities or who are neurodivergent. Together we explore and discover practical ways we can all contribute to building a society where everyone belongs.