SEL in EDU

What if your greatest strength is simultaneously your biggest weakness? Award-winning superintendent and leadership coach Dr. PJ Caposey cuts through conventional wisdom to reveal a compelling truth: the qualities that make us exceptional are often the same ones holding us back from reaching our full potential.

Drawing from his experience as both a superintendent and cancer survivor, PJ shares profound insights about leadership as a relay race rather than a solo sprint. He discusses the liberating concept of "bringing all of yourself" to both work and home, breaking down the exhausting compartmentalization many leaders struggle with. Using the Enneagram as a tool for understanding our default dispositions, he demonstrates how self-awareness can transform not just how we lead, but how we live.

The conversation explores the "lighthouse" approach to parenting, finding joy in creating ripples of positive impact, and the courage to embrace our imperfections authentically. This permission to be authentically human while striving for excellence represents the core of PJ's leadership philosophy.

Whether you're seeking to maximize your impact as a leader, understand your behavioral patterns, or bring more authenticity to your daily interactions, this conversation offers practical wisdom that transcends typical leadership advice.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Connect with PJ via his website, Instagram, LinkedIn, and email: [email protected]
• Check out PJ's books on Amazon.

Feeling overwhelmed by negativity in schools? Niko Tsamatoulidis, Administrator of Student Supports and Wellness for Bethlehem Area School District and Chief Hope Officer of Hope Does LLC, unpacks the science of hope and explains why it's crucial for educator and student well-being.

Drawing from 33 years of experience in education, Niko reveals that hope isn't merely a feeling; it's an action that flourishes through social connections. "Hope begets hope begets hope," he explains, detailing how willpower (agency) and waypower (pathways) form the foundation of hopeful thinking. This science-based approach shows why simply telling someone "it will get better" isn't enough; we must help them see and create multiple pathways forward.

This episode examines how our social environments impact our hope levels. Through the lens of neuroscience, Niko explains how mirror neurons cause us to co-regulate with those around us. "If you're consistently showing up in a negative state... you attack and neutralize hope," creating a powerful case for mindful boundaries with persistently negative influences while approaching such situations with compassion.

Post-pandemic, many educators are experiencing what Tsamoutalidis calls a "post-COVID numbing—a neutrality that sits between positivity and negativity on the hope continuum. The remedy is reconnecting with our imagination as an "instrument of hope" and surrounding ourselves with what he calls "transition people" who support us through challenges.

Whether you're struggling with burnout, navigating complex school climate issues, or simply seeking ways to build more resilient learning communities, this episode offers practical wisdom for cultivating hope as a daily practice.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Connect with Niko via Instagram and LinkedIn.
• Email him at [email protected].
• Check out this book: Hope Rising:  How the science of Hope can change your life :  Gwinn & Hellman 

Imagine knowing exactly how to create learning experiences that not only engage students but actually improve their brains. This fascinating conversation with Julia Skolnick, CEO of Professional Learning Partnerships, and second-grade teacher Stacy Robeson reveals the powerful intersection of neuroscience and education that every educator should understand.

At the heart of effective learning lies what Skolnick calls the "Safe, Stretch, Stick" model—a profound yet accessible framework grounded in brain science. When students feel psychologically threatened, their brains cannot process academic content. Students can take risks and stretch beyond their comfort zones only when they feel secure, ultimately making learning memorable.

This foundation expands into the "Six Gears" framework—trust, agency, passion, memorable, meaningful, and motivational—which provides a comprehensive approach to designing learning experiences that align with how our brains naturally work. Robeson brings these concepts to life through her classroom experiences, sharing how even second-graders thrive when given appropriate levels of agency and opportunities to pursue passions. 

Perhaps most compelling is the conversation around teacher agency and efficacy. Schools can revitalize educator passion and student learning outcomes by reclaiming protected spaces for teacher innovation and growth.

Ready to transform your teaching through brain science? Listen to this episode to start your journey toward creating classrooms where students learn more effectively and develop a genuine love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Connect with Julia via her via Instagram, and LinkedIn.
• Check out the PLP website which hosts free resources, as well as a PLP Membership with access to digital modules, research-based frameworks and design tools, and more.

What if you could face life’s biggest challenges the way screenwriters approach epic movie plots? Kristina Paider, award-winning author and Chief Creative Officer of The Hollywood Approach, shares how 28 years of script development experience reshaped her life—and how it can reshape yours. Her framework reverse-engineers the traits of successful movie protagonists and applies them to real-life transitions in a way that feels both strategic and playful.

Central to Paider’s method is the concept of Character DNA—your unique mix of strengths, superpowers, and “flawesomeness.” Rather than relying on rigid goal-setting, she invites high achievers to use storytelling tools to navigate growth, change, and identity with greater creativity. Asking questions like “What would Julia Roberts do?” becomes a way to reimagine our responses during difficult moments, helping us step out of default behaviors and into more empowered, imaginative roles.

This storytelling approach resonates deeply with social-emotional learning, especially in education. Krista explores using these tools with middle school leadership students, helping them articulate strengths, aspirations, and character inspirations. The idea that we’re always editing our personal narrative offers students (and adults alike) a hopeful lens on growth and change.

Whether you're navigating a major life pivot or simply curious about the power of storytelling, Kristina Paider’s insights provide actionable wisdom with warmth and wit. Her Hollywood-inspired framework invites us to live more intentionally—and perhaps even more heroically.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Connect with Kristina via her website, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
• Learn more about her books, The Hollywood Approach: Script Your Life Like a Hit Movie and Live Your Wildest Dream and its accompanying workbook.

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As Director of Technology and Innovation and founder of Advative Learning, Mormando has pioneered strategies that empower students rather than restrict their technology use.

During our conversation, Mormando revealed the surprising effectiveness of student-led digital citizenship initiatives, where high schoolers mentor younger students about responsible technology use. The district's comprehensive approach involved bringing together students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community members to conduct a root-cause analysis of technology challenges. This collaborative process led to tailored solutions for different grade levels, beyond simply embedding digital citizenship lessons to making instruction more explicit and meaningful.

Mormando's work at the intersection of artificial intelligence and education is compelling. As a member of OpenAI's K-12 Advisory Board, he helps educators navigate this rapidly evolving landscape while teaching students to evaluate AI outputs critically. 

Whether you're struggling with cell phone policies, seeking ways to make digital citizenship instruction more authentic, or wondering how to integrate AI in your classroom ethically, this episode offers practical wisdom from an innovative district that is threading the needle between embracing technology and protecting student well-being. 

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Connect with Dr. Sam Mormando via the Edvative website, LinkedIn, and Next Gen Educators. 

Explore his books Navigating the AI Revolution in Our Schools (2024) and Effectively Designed Instruction: Amplifying Student Agency and Inclusivity (2023).

Discover the transformative power of rural leadership in education in this engaging episode featuring Dr. Melissa Sadorf, the Executive Director of the Arizona Rural Schools Association. With over three decades of experience in education, Melissa sheds light on the unique challenges faced by rural schools, from resource accessibility to fostering community connections.

Through her rich anecdotes and insights, she emphasizes the importance of understanding rurality's diverse definitions, revealing how context shapes educational experiences for students. As our discussion unfolds, we touch upon critical issues such as broadband access—the disparities that dramatically affect learning—and innovative approaches like peer mentoring that can empower students and educators alike.

Melissa highlights how rural leaders play a pivotal role in managing resources and nurturing strong relationships within their communities. She shares practical strategies for incorporating social-emotional learning, ensuring all students feel valued and supported.

This episode is a must-listen for educators, policy-makers, and anyone seeking to understand the intricacies of rural education. Join us as we learn how strong leadership can lead to profound changes in rural schools and explore new ways to uplift underserved communities in education. Don't forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and tell us how you navigate rural leadership!

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Connect with Melissa via her website and LinkedIn. 
• Purchase The Resilient Rural Leader: Rising to the Challenges of Rural Education.

What happens when a childhood music student becomes a world-traveling dueling piano performer? Join us as we chat with Gregory Offner, the dynamic founder and CEO of the Global Performance Institute. Greg's journey is anything but ordinary, and his insights into transforming the staff experience are just as compelling. From a serendipitous moment at a Philadelphia piano bar to captivating audiences worldwide, Greg shares how his passion for music and motivational speaking can uplift spirits and inspire positive change in workplaces and beyond.

We're unpacking the fascinating parallels between engaging a piano bar crowd and engaging students and staff. Greg introduces us to audience archetypes—keepers, leapers, and sleepers—illuminating how various engagement levels can affect moods and productivity. By seeing the workplace and classroom as stages for meaningful experiences, Greg underscores the importance of authenticity and connection. Leaders and educators alike have the power to create environments where people feel valued and part of something bigger.

Finally, we delve into how music and shared experiences can foster growth and create lasting impacts. Greg talks about the power of collaboration and community, encouraging us all to become the best versions of ourselves while helping others do the same. With the "Encore" keynote and "Tip Jar Culture" framework, Greg offers strategies for reigniting purpose and commitment. Listen in to discover how crafting experiences people want to relive can transform personal and professional lives.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Connect with Greg via his website, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
• Read his book, The Tip Jar Culture and check out his speaker reel.

What happens when an introvert steps onto the stage to ignite a revolution in education? Join us as we welcome Dr. Scott McLeod, a trailblazer in educational leadership from the University of Colorado, Denver. Scott shares his unique journey, balancing his introverted nature with his passion for "making learning less boring" and the profound influence of his groundbreaking "Did You Know?" video on the educational landscape. This personal reflection sets the stage for a captivating conversation about innovation in teaching, highlighted by an intriguing story involving superintendents and a playful "dude" card game designed to rethink technology in classrooms.

Explore the transformative power of Deeper Learning via The Four Shifts Protocol as we navigate its intersection with culturally responsive pedagogy, social-emotional learning, and inquiry-based learning. We challenge the traditional educational models prioritizing rote memorization, advocating instead for an approach that embraces equity and belonging. Through the lens of the pedagogical triangle, we examine how innovative curriculum designs like embedded honors courses can dismantle barriers and promote student-driven pathways. This engaging episode is a call to action for educators and schools to embrace their broader mission, ensuring equitable support for every student amidst the challenges of federal funding and resource disparities.

EPISODE RESOURES:
Connect with Dr. Scott McLeod via his website, Instagram, Bluesky, and LinkedIn

• The Four Shifts Protocol
• Harnessing Technology for Deeper Learning (quick quide)
• Leadership for Deeper Learning
• Rigor or Vigor: What do we want for our children?
• Deeper Learning Requires Deeper Relationships
• Getting Smart website

In a world where education constantly evolves, cultivating resilience among educators is more crucial than ever. This podcast episode, featuring Dr. Lindsay Prendergast and Piper Lee, dives deep into the essence of resilience within the educational landscape. The episode is an insightful journey through strategies that help educators thrive amid change, offering practical tools drawn from their book, "Habits of Resilient Educators: Strategies for Thriving During Times of Anxiety, Doubt, and Constant Change."

With experience drawn from over 3,000 instructional rounds, they reveal how key habits can help educators become more resilient, equipping them with practical strategies to navigate post-pandemic challenges.

We explore the power of effective communication, growth mindset, emotional regulation, and collaboration in building educator resilience. By sharing stories from educators implementing these approaches, Lindsay and Piper highlight the shared experience of gaining hope and the strength of collective effort. Our conversation underscores the importance of prioritization, focusing on what educators can control, and maintaining perseverance amidst overwhelming tasks and decision-making hurdles.

EPISODE RESOURCES:
Connect with Lindsay and Piper via 

• their website and order their book!
• Instagram: Lindsay Prendergast and Piper Lee 
• LinkedIn: Lindsay Prendergast and Piper Lee 

Discover how music education can transform social-emotional learning with our guest, Dr. Ed Luckey. This episode of SELinEDU uncovers Dr. Luckey's compelling journey from music educator to Dean of Students, shedding light on how his passion for music and commitment to fostering relationships play a pivotal role in his educational philosophy. Dr. Luckey shares his insights on the significance of intentionality in SEL practices, drawing from his extensive experience and personal anecdotes. Together, we explore the unique rewards and challenges he faces in his current role and the profound impact of trust-building and effective communication in schools.

Music has the power to create safe havens and build resilience, and Ed eloquently articulates this through his experiences. We delve into the role of music as a connector and how it can balance cultural heritage and societal acculturation. Ed's enriching "Song Line Project" is a testament to music's ability to foster community and cultural understanding, emphasizing mutuality and celebration. Join us as we explore the transformative power of music and the arts in nurturing emotional and social development, ultimately providing a refuge for those who need it most.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Connect with Ed via LinkedEd.
• The Kiffness and Rushawn video - It's a Beautiful Day