Welcome to STEMtastic Stories with Stanberry SEASON 2—where we spotlight the voices that shape better teaching. In this episode, Missy Widmann shares her journey into neuroscience and why understanding the brain isn’t just for researchers—it’s for every classroom. We dig into the science behind movement and learning (inspired by John Ratey’s Spark), practical entry points for teachers who are new to brain science, and how to make SEL feel less “touchy-feely” and more like durable skill-building. We also explore how disequilibrium, funds of knowledge, and culturally relevant hooks (from K-Pop to gaming) can keep learning rigorous and relational. Missy closes with resources from her nonprofit and a roadmap for bringing open, brain-based strategies to your students—because illuminating others never detracts from your own light.

• How Missy’s path into neuroscience informs day-to-day teaching moves

• Why fitness and movement prime cognition, memory, and mood in class

• First steps for teachers: simple brain-aligned routines you can start tomorrow

• Making SEL measurable: from vibes to viable, transferable skills

• Using student interests + scaffolds to create productive disequilibrium and deeper learning

• Where to find Missy’s nonprofit resources and OER you can adopt immediately

What you’ll learn