SEL in EDU

Ever wondered how to bridge the gap for first-generation students aiming for college success? Meet Ashlea Goerlich, a seasoned educator with a wealth of experience and the heart behind the TRIO Upward Bound program. Join us as Ashlea shares her dual insights from managing this pivotal program and guiding her teenage twins through the college admissions maze. Gain valuable knowledge on how the Upward Bound program offers crucial support through campus visits, weekly meetings, and other services designed to prepare students for higher education.

Celebrate the milestones of high school seniors with us as we reflect on the emotional rollercoaster of prepping for college and beyond. From senior pictures to the graduation banquet, we discuss the importance of cultural experiences and the essential skills needed for students and parents. Hear inspiring stories of program graduates returning to contribute and share their college journeys, reinforcing the tight-knit community that Upward Bound fosters.

Empowering students starts with brave conversations and learning from mistakes. Ashlea opens up about supporting her biracial daughters through their unique challenges and highlights the importance of empathy and validation. Join us as we delve into practical tips for fostering self-advocacy and bravery in children, emphasizing the crucial roles of educators and families and how collective community care can offer critical tools for emotional well-being. 

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• WCC Upward Bound Instagram
• WCC TRIO Upward Bound Facebook
• U.S. Department of Ed TRIO homepage

Why do some educational conversations hit a wall while others build bridges? Join us as we welcome guest host Tammy Musiowsky-Borneman and dive into the art of communication with Chris Fenning. Chris, a seasoned expert who has guided giants like Google and NATO, unlocks the secrets to starting conversations strongly, answering pivotal questions to bring clarity and focus. This episode discusses practical strategies for fostering collaboration in educational settings.

Imagine a school environment where teachers, administrators, and caregivers communicate without misunderstandings and work together seamlessly. Chris shares insightful methods for framing conversations and emails to address broader issues, emphasizing facts over emotions. These techniques make everyday communication smoother and improve interactions. Through personal anecdotes and actionable exercises, we highlight the importance of clear, concise communication in achieving common educational goals and enhancing student engagement.

Finally, we explore the crucial role of emotional literacy and self-awareness in delivering effective feedback. Chris provides a robust three-part structure for addressing feelings and behaviors without escalating tensions, and we discuss why face-to-face or phone conversations often trump emails for sensitive topics. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or administrator, this episode offers a roadmap to better communication and collaboration, ultimately creating a thriving educational environment for all.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Connect with Chris via his website and LinkedIn.
• Explore his books: The First Minute, Effective Emails, 39 Ways to Make Training Stick
• Get his FREEBIE: The First Minute Workbook - A practical tutorial with self-assessment and activities to help you improve the clarity of your communication at work. Based on the multi-award-winning book The First Minute.

How do we transform K-12 education with a human-centered approach in the age of AI? Join us for this enlightening episode as we sit with the visionary Dr. Randy Ziegenfuss. Randy shares his mission to revolutionize K-12 education by thoughtfully integrating technology while honoring and leveraging human connection.

Unlock the transformative potential of AI in education with our deep dive into personal learning and content consumption. Discover how adopting an AI mindset can revolutionize managing and absorbing information, particularly in nonfiction reading. By leveraging tools like ChatGPT, Randy shares how you can scan, summarize, and analyze books and articles, gaining greater control over learning processes. This method enhances your ability to filter and focus on the most intriguing parts, fostering curiosity and critical thinking. We also discuss the ethical considerations and exciting potential of teaching these AI techniques to students, empowering them to explore their interests more effectively.

Hear real-world examples of how AI can enhance curriculum development, making rote tasks obsolete and paving the way for authentic performance tasks that boost student agency and joy in learning. Join us as we also touch on the Human School initiative, which emphasizes human-centered approaches in the evolving educational landscape.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Connect with Dr. Randy Ziegenfuss via The Human School, Instagram, and Facebook.

Join us for an enlightening conversation where Krista and Craig set the stage with heartfelt reflections on their lives before introducing their remarkable guest, Kevin Hopkins. Kevin, a family engagement professional dedicated to at-risk communities, shares his inspiring journey from East St. Louis. His upbringing, steeped in strong family bonds and community support, has deeply influenced his mission to connect educators, students, and their families. By emphasizing the pivotal role of home life in shaping a student's educational experience, Kevin's story reminds us that true Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) transcends classroom boundaries.

Discover the power of parental involvement as we discuss Kevin's efforts to engage caregivers from preschool to 12th grade. Kevin walks us through creating and implementing programs to equip parents with the tools to support their children's learning and well-being. From workshops on financial planning and healthy living to the use of data for measuring the effectiveness of these initiatives, we explore strategies that make parent engagement more impactful. Kevin underscores the significance of a unified strategy in fostering educational success by shifting from localized preschool efforts to a district-wide approach.

The episode explores practical methods for effective family-school communication and the distinction between mere attendance and genuine engagement. We highlight the importance of proactive relationship-building to foster trust and avoid re-traumatizing parents with past negative school experiences. Weekly virtual meetings and community workshops create a supportive environment for parents, teachers, and students. Tune in to hear about Kevin's efforts in promoting early childhood education, the value of virtual resources, and the joy of community engagement. It's a joy that we can all share in.

EPISODE RESOURCES:
Purchase Kevin's Book: Dakota Doesn't Have to Worry: A fully illustrated children's book 

How do we create learning environments that genuinely heal and nurture every child? In this episode of SELinEDU, we welcome Shannon Hawkins, founder and CEO of Leading A(head) Collaborative, to share her profound insights on transforming education through social and emotional learning (SEL). We start with reflections on the soothing power of water and the surprising weather, setting a serene mood for our discussion. Shannon's journey, inspired by her grandmother's story of resilience in Jamaica, reveals the profound importance of building healing-centered communities to support historically marginalized groups and combat toxic stress.

We explore the vital partnership between schools and families in enriching children's education. Shannon highlights the crucial need for schools to provide platforms where families can share their valuable experiences and cultural strengths. With the concept of "Freedom Dreams," we envision how visionary thinking can revolutionize the educational landscape, especially in these challenging times marked by economic pressures and the impacts of multiple pandemics. This conversation underscores the importance of acknowledging and utilizing the cultural and linguistic assets that families contribute to the educational ecosystem and the necessity of collaboration.

Finally, we delve into the critical role of emotionally responsive adults in children's healing process. Shannon references impactful work, including "The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog" and insights from Dr. Barbara Sorrels, to illustrate how educators and caregivers can create nurturing environments. We discuss Leading A(head) Collaborative's successful after-school programs that educate parents and teachers on toxic stress, trauma, and SEL, emphasizing the transformative power of compassion and empathy in schools. Reflecting on the importance of collective well-being and collaboration, we celebrate the communal spirit toward creating supportive and transformative educational spaces for every student.

EPISODE RESOURCES:
Connect with Shannon via her website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, 

• The Four Pivots: Reimagining Justice, Reimagining Ourselves by Shawn Ginwright, Ph.D
• Daring Greatly by Brene Brown, Ph.D., MSW
• Freedom Dreams by Robin D.G. Kelley
• The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog by Dr. Bruce Perry

Krista's reconnection with a former principal reminded her of the profound impact of nurturing relationships on personal growth. Meanwhile, Craig's joy of gardening with his father reflected the simple yet powerful act of planting seeds and watching them flourish. Join us as we weave together stories of connection, resilience, and growth—both in relationships and nature—with insights from our special guest, Rose Felix Cratsley.

Rose shares her inspiring journey as the daughter of Indian immigrants and her work with Ivy Child International. By highlighting the importance of mindfulness and well-being practices within BIPOC communities, she illustrates how these efforts can provide stability and empowerment to children and families facing trauma. Rose's discussion on culturally relevant mindfulness practices and the necessity of BIPOC representation in organizations provides a deeply enriching perspective on fostering resilience and community care.

As we wrap up, we celebrate Rose's impactful contributions to the SELinEDU community, leaving listeners with a heartfelt reminder to cherish their loved ones and find balance through intentional self-care.

EPISODE RESOURCES:
Follow Rose via her Website, X, Instagram, and Facebook

• Healing through Hope - Meditation
• Equity Breath - Meditation
• Unlocking Children’s Potential through Mindfulness
• Top Ten Guided Meditations for 2022
• 10 Powerful Women of the Mindfulness Movement

Have you ever wondered how to keep the spark alive in the demanding teaching world? Join us as Ming Shelby and Chase Mielke bring their invigorating insights to our latest podcast, where we delve into the highs of novice teacher enthusiasm and navigate the treacherous terrain of potential burnout. We'll unpack what it takes to construct a "burnout immune system," celebrating those tiny yet profound moments with students that remind us why we stepped into the classroom in the first place.

Our conversation turns towards the lighter side in a profession that often feels like a balancing act between gravity and joy. From the cultural ripples of shows like Abbott Elementary to personal tales highlighting the quirky moments of teaching life, we explore how humor and vulnerability can be our most significant tools in education. We even let you in on some classroom blunders, proving that sometimes our most mortifying experiences can endow us with unexpected 'superpowers.'

Sharing stories, laughter, and a few jokes, we celebrate the collective journey of learning, living, and thriving alongside our SELinEDU family. It's not just about thriving in the classroom—it's about fostering a community that basks in the light of support, growth, and, most importantly, joy.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Listen to the Educator Happy Hour podcast
• Connect with Ming via her website, X, Instagram, and Facebook.
• Connect with Chase via his website, X, Instagram, and Facebook.
• Read Chase’s ASCD articles.

What does it mean to truly connect with others, and how can tenderness transform our educational spaces? Join us for a heartwarming conversation with Meena Srinivasan, a celebrated leader in mindfulness and social-emotional learning (SEL). Meena's personal journey and inspiring TED talk on the power of tenderness offer a profound look at how these concepts can create transformative classroom environments. We also discuss the importance of pronouncing names correctly, viewing it as a powerful act of respect and acknowledgment.

Through our dialogue, we uncover the multilayered nature of tenderness and its pivotal role in fostering empathy and compassion. Listen as we share personal experiences highlighting how tangible and embodied tenderness can be and how it can build bridges, especially among those with differing views. Meena's insights shed light on how tenderness can strengthen human connections, creating a more inclusive and compassionate world.

Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s notion of having a tough mind and a tender heart, we explore the concept of wise tenderness. This combination of vulnerability, compassion, and right action is crucial for educators and leaders in creating safe spaces where young people can express themselves. We wrap up with a celebration of life and well-being, emphasizing the importance of self-care and personal growth. This episode is a rich mosaic of warmth, connection, and transformative insights you won't miss.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Connect with Mina: website,  Transformational Educational Leadership (TEL) website, X, Instagram
• Watch Mina’s TED Talk and explore her resources.

What happens when a chaotic mix-up with car keys leads to an unexpectedly hilarious adventure?  Krista shares her comedic and stressful encounter with rental companies in our latest SEL in EDU episode. Meanwhile, Craig opens up about his emotional ups and downs, and his desperate need for a peaceful retreat. These personal moments set the scene for an insightful conversation with our guests, Stephanie Brown and Don Sturm, who enlighten us on the balance of emotional resilience in our roles as educators and caregivers.

We delve into how technology shapes modern parenting, exploring how it can challenge and enrich family dynamics. Reflecting on our experiences, we touch on creating and maintaining boundaries, inspired by Jennifer Wallace's thought-provoking book Never Enough. The conversation extends to the inclusive nature of the term "caregivers," highlighting its importance in fostering a supportive environment for all children. Stephanie and Don add depth with their invaluable insights into fostering healthy relationships at home and in educational settings.

From the joyful chaos of family bonding over cooking to the light-hearted musings about everyday choices like whether or not to wear stockings, we cover it all! Our discussion emphasizes the critical role of empathy, the value of laughter, and embracing imperfections. Join us for a heartfelt wrap-up as we encourage you to cherish your loved ones, model emotional resilience, and confidently continue your social-emotional learning journey. Whether you're a parent, educator, or caregiver, this episode offers something meaningful to take away.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Connect with Stephanie and Don on Instagram.
• Listen to their CareU Podcast

Discover the power of wellness and accountability in education as we explore enriching self-care routines with Craig and Krista. We're joined by Dr. Matthew X. Joseph, who reveals his secret to maintaining a dedicated wellness routine through public accountability. His early morning workouts, shared on social media, keep him motivated and inspire others. Dr. Joseph’s passion for amplifying voices in educational publishing further enriches his sense of well-being and professional fulfillment.

In a heartwarming segment, we share the profound impact of family traditions on our lives, from sibling rivalries to cherished memories with grandparents. These moments illuminate the importance of inspirational content and the lasting warmth of family dynamics, underscoring how the love and wisdom of our elders shape our lives.

Finally, we delve into legacy, vulnerability, and empowerment themes sparked by George Xavier Joseph. We discuss the power of disciplined routines, self-awareness, and morning productivity, touching upon key insights from books like "Always Stop at a Lemonade Stand" and "Stronger Together." Embracing authenticity and self-care, we highlight how public accountability and sharing personal journeys can inspire and support others. Join us as we celebrate the positive influence of community and family within the SEL and EDU space.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Connect with Matthew: website, speaker bio, twitter
• Listen to his podcast, Stronger Together, and check out his books.